Cairo, December 20 (KCNA) -- The Egypt-Korea Friendship Association made public a statement on Tuesday on the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

The statement said:

The members of the association are now mourning with biggest sadness and grief over his demise upon hearing the sad news that Kim Jong Il passed away, a bolt from the blue.

The leader passed away, but his exploits will last forever thanks to his grit and greatness as the Songun illustrious commander.

The world progressive people lost the leader who was not only a great man but prominent and courageous leader.

The demise of Kim Jong Il makes our hearts break.

But we are fully confident of the fact that Kim Jong Un, great successor to him, will bring the Korean revolution to completion.

We will positively support his succession to the heroic cause of the great revolutionary family.

The leader's demise is the biggest loss to the whole world.

We express deep condolences not only to the Korean people but to the world progressive people.

Kim Jong Il will always live in the hearts of all of us.

His exploits will last forever.