Pyongyang, December 22 (KCNA) -- Li Hui, Chinese ambassador to Russia, Tuesday visited the DPRK embassy in Moscow before any others to express condolences over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

The ambassador was accompanied by ministers, the military, naval and air attache and others.

They laid bunches of flowers before his portrait and observed a moment's silence.

The ambassador made an entry in the mourners' book.

He said: "Comrade Kim Jong Il was the great leader of the Workers' Party of Korea, the DPRK and the Korean people.

We are convinced that the party, government and people of the DPRK will certainly overcome today's sorrow and accomplish the cause of Comrade Kim Jong Il, united close around respected Comrade Kim Jong Un.

The Chinese people will share sorrow with the Korean people and steadily boost the Sino-DPRK friendship."