Pyongyang, September 10 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, sent a congratulatory message to Bashar Al-Assad, president of Syria and regional secretary of the Arab Baath Socialist Party, on Saturday.

The message said:

I extend warm congratulations to you on your 46th birthday.

Hoping that the Syrian government and people would register greater success in their work for the sovereignty, peace and stability of the country under your correct leadership, I wish you good health.