Pyongyang, December 19 (KCNA) -- President of the Russian Federation D. Medvedev Monday sent a message of condolences to General Kim Jong Un.

It said:

Respected Your Excellency Kim Jong Un

Allow me to express my deep condolences to you and the leadership of the DPRK and its people over the demise of Kim Jong Il, chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.

In Russia His Excellency Kim Jong Il is well known as the leader of a friendly state who did a lot for the strengthening and development of the traditional Russia-DPRK good neighborly relations.

I am sure that this line in the interests of our two countries and peoples will be inherited by the new leadership of the DPRK.

We are ready to closely cooperate with each other for further development of mutual cooperation and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Please accept my high consideration.