The statement said that his recent visit to China marked a significant event to shine long in the history of friendship between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the PRC.

Referring to the fact that the party and state leaders of China warmly welcomed Kim Jong Il and accorded sincere hospitality to him, the statement said that this was a clear manifestation of high respect and reverence for him, elder statesman of the world.

His China visit serves as a historic event as it made a remarkable contribution to protecting peace and security in Northeast Asia including the Korean Peninsula and the rest of the world, strengthening the unity and cooperation among the progressives aspiring after independence and realizing the human cause of independence.