The general secretary of the Movement for Peace and Socialism of Italy said that Kim Jong Il realized the long-cherished desire of the Korean people to lead a dignified life in a politico-ideological and military power. Under his guidance Korean socialism will emerge victorious and a thriving socialist nation is sure to be built in Korea, he added.

The chairman of the Communist Party of Norway said that the Songun leadership of Kim Jong Il serves as a decisive guarantee that helps the Korean people build a great, prosperous and powerful socialist nation, overcoming the persistent provocation by the imperialists and the serious economic difficulties.

The Workers' Party of Korea has advanced invariably holding aloft the banner of socialism in any adversity, and this is a great encouragement to all the progressive political parties the world over, he said, adding: Our Party will as ever extend steadfast support and solidarity to the Korean people in the efforts to build a thriving nation and achieve independent and peaceful reunification of the country.

Thanks to the Songun politics of Kim Jong Il the Korean people have victoriously advanced along the road chosen by them under the banner of Juche, said the vice-chairman of the Bulgaria-Korea Friendship Association.

A congratulatory message to Kim Jong Il was adopted at the meeting in Bulgaria.