Pyongyang, December 21 (KCNA) -- Mexican political parties and organizations released a joint statement on Monday, mourning the demise of leader Kim Jong Il. They included the Socialist Popular Party of Mexico, the Socialist Party of Mexico, the Mexican National Coordinating Committee for the Study of the Juche Idea, the Mexican Committee for the Study of Kimilsungism and the Mexico-Korea Friendship Association.

The statement said that Kim Jong Il passed away all of a sudden at a historic time when a turning phase is being opened for building a thriving socialist nation and the Korean revolution is winning victory after victory despite manifold difficulties and hardships under his Songun revolutionary leadership. This is the greatest loss to the Korean revolution and the biggest sorrow for the Korean people and the progressive people of the world, it added.

It went on:

Political parties, study organizations and friendship and solidarity organizations of Mexico are convinced that although Kim Jong Il's heart stopped beating, his noble and august name and benevolent image will always be remembered by the Korean people and progressive humankind and his sacred revolutionary career and immortal revolutionary exploits will shine forever.

It is our belief that the Workers' Party, the army and the people of the DPRK will overcome sorrow and display strength and courage and thus get over the present difficulties and struggle more staunchly for a great fresh victory of the Juche revolution and the Songun revolution under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, great successor to the revolutionary cause of Juche and outstanding leader of the Workers' Party, the army and the people of the DPRK.

By joining hands with the Korean people under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Un, we will boost friendship and solidarity with the peoples in different countries of the world guided by the idea of independence, peace and friendship and make energetic endeavors to build a new independent and peaceful world free from domination, subjugation, aggression and war.

We call on the political parties, governments and organizations in the world to continue extending strong support to the WPK and the Korean people in their struggle for the building of a prosperous and powerful country, the reunification of the country and global independence, single-mindedly united around the outstanding leader Kim Jong Un.