Pyongyang, August 26 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, Thursday sent a message of thanks to Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev, president of the Russian Federation, on his way home after winding up his visit to Siberia and the Far East Region of Russia.

The message said:

Upon leaving your country for home after winding up my visit to Siberia and the Far East Region of friendly neighbor Russia, I extend profound thanks to you and the Russian government and leading officials of the Siberian and Far East regions of your Federation and the close Russian people for the warm reception and cordial hospitality accorded to us.

I am very satisfied that I met you and reached a consensus of views on all issues of mutual concern during my visit to Russia.

We were deeply impressed to see the diligent people in Siberia and the Far East Region working hard with sincerity for the socio-economic development and prosperity, while touring their vast land.

It is my belief that the long-standing DPRK-Russia friendly and cooperative relations will grow strong in the future, too, in the spirit of the recent agreement reached between us.

Availing myself of this opportunity, I sincerely hope that you and the Russian people will register greater success in the work for building powerful and modern Russia and you enjoy good health.