Pyongyang, December 23 (KCNA) -- Statesmen of Russia visited the DPRK embassy in Moscow Wednesday to mourn the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

They included First Vice-Chairman of the Federation Council Torshyn and his party and Minister of Regional Development Viktor Basargin, chairman of the Russian side of the Russia-DPRK intergovernmental committee for cooperation in trade, economy and science and technology, and his party.

They laid bouquets before the portrait of Kim Jong Il and expressed condolences on his demise.

They made entries in the mourners' book.

Kim Jong Il devoted great efforts to the development of good- neighborly relations between two countries, Torshyn said, adding:

The Russian people will always remember his efforts and feats devoted to the development of the Russia-DPRK relations.

We are sure that the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation will continue to develop in the future, too.

Viktor Basargin expressed belief that the Korean people under the guidance of Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, would overcome the present sorrow and creditably carry forward the cause of Kim Jong Il.