Pyongyang, September 9 (KCNA) -- Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, visited the Kumsusan Memorial Palace at 00:00 on Friday together with senior officials of the party and armed forces organs on the 63rd anniversary of the DPRK to pay tribute to President Kim Il Sung.

A floral basket was laid before the statue of the President.

Kim Jong Il, together with the senior officials, paid high tribute to the President who devoted his whole life to the liberation of the country and its prosperity and its people's happiness and made immortal contributions to accomplishing the cause of global independence.

He entered the hall where the President lies in state.

He, together with the senior officials accompanying him, made a bow to the President in most humble reverence.

He was accompanied by senior officials of the party and armed forces organs Kim Jong Un, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Yong Chun, Kim Kyong Hui, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Jong Gak, Choe Ryong Hae, U Tong Chuk and Ri Myong Su, Members of the Central Military Commission of the WPK Kim Kyong Ok, Kim Myong Guk, Kim Won Hong, Jong Myong Do, Ri Pyong Chol, Choe Pu Il, Kim Yong Chol, Yun Jong Rin, Choe Sang Ryo and Choe Kyong Song, Department Director of the NDC Hyon Chol Hae, staff members of the Supreme Command and commanding officers of the KPA.