Pyongyang, December 23 (KCNA) -- Delegations of the state, the government and the People's Party of Mongolia on Tuesday called at the DPRK embassy in Ulan Bator to express condolences over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

The delegations laid floral baskets before the portrait of Kim Jong Il and paid silent tribute.

N. Enkhbold, vice-chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia, said:

On behalf of the State Great Hural and the presidential secretariat of Mongolia, I would like to express deep condolences over the passing away of His Excellency Kim Jong Il.

I believe that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between Mongolia and the DPRK will continue to strengthen.

The vice-chairman of the State Great Hural, the advisor for foreign policy to the prime minister and a secretary of the People's Party, who were heading the delegations, made entries in the condolence book.