Pyongyang, December 23 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, Wednesday received a message of condolences from Hifikepunye Pohamba, president of the Republic of Namibia.

The full text of the message is as follows:

Your Excellency,

It is with a sense of deepest sorrow that I have learnt of the untimely death of the great leader, Comrade Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defence Commission, who passed away on 17th December 2011.

Comrade Kim Jong Il will always be remembered for his distinguished and exemplary services to the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). He endeared himself to the people of Africa and all emerging nations with his steadfast commitment to their liberation and indeed to the struggle for freedom and independence of the oppressed people of Namibia.

During this sad moment of the people of the DPRK, allow me, on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Namibia, and indeed on my own behalf, to extend to you and through you, to the people and government of the DPRK, our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Comradely yours.