Pyongyang, September 9 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from Dmitri Medvedev, president of the Russian Federation, Friday on the 63rd anniversary of the DPRK.

The message said:

Esteemed Your Excellency,

I extend congratulations to you on the 63rd anniversary of the DPRK.

A new sovereign state emerged in Korea on September 9, 1948.

Since then, our two countries have been linked with each other not only by the common border but also by traditional friendly and cooperative relations.

I am recalling with warm emotion the recent meeting between us in Ulan-Ude.

I assure you that Russia is interested in the joint efforts to develop the reciprocal relations with the DPRK and ensure peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the rest of Northeast Asia.

I wish you good health and happiness and the DPRK people success.