Pyongyang, December 23 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, received a message of condolences from Isaias Afewerki, president of Eritrea, on Thursday.

The message said:

It is with deep sorrow that I have learned the passing away of HE Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the WPK, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army.

On this sad occasion, I would like to express my condolences to Your Excellency and, through you, to the government and people of the DPRK.

Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.