Pyongyang, December 21 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, received a message of condolences from Viktor Ishayev, presidential envoy to the Far East Region of the Russian Federation, Monday.

The message said:

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un,

Allow me to extend my deep condolences to you on the demise of Comrade Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK.

His life was totally dedicated to the well-being of the beloved country.

As a state leader he made really a great contribution to the socio-economic development of the DPRK and exerted a lot of efforts for the stable life of the people.

He paid great attention to economic and trade relations, the implementation of joint investment projects, cooperation in science, technology and culture between the Russian Federation and the DPRK.

Relations with Russia have always been friendly and constructive and the good neighborly relations have grown stronger.

He visited the Russian Federation, the Far East Region in particular, several times.

I was privileged to be with him and be received by him several times during his visits to the Far East Region and in this course I learned he was an extraordinary man.

I also felt that he had great affection for his country and a vast stock of knowledge about various fields including economy and brilliant professional qualifications.

He was an all-round person.

I share sorrow with the people of the DPRK.

Highest Regards.