Pyongyang, September 10 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il sent a message to Russian President Dmitri Medvedev thanking him for the message of sympathy sent in connection with the recent flood damage in the DPRK on Friday.

The message said:

I express thanks to you for sending me a message of sympathy in connection with the recent flood damage in our country.

I, availing myself of this opportunity, express belief that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and Russia would steadily grow stronger in the future, too.