Pyongyang, December 24 (KCNA) -- The Sweden-Korea Friendship Association released a bulletin on Dec. 21 on the passing away of leader Kim Jong Il.

The bulletin carried an article titled "Kim Jong Il, Great Statesman and Popular Leader" with photos showing his energetic external activities.

The article said:

The world came upon the sad news that leader Kim Jong Il of the DPRK passed away.

He had worked day and night for the happiness of the people since his start of work at the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in 1964. He died of great mental and physical strain on his way of endless field guidance.

In July 1994, President Kim Il Sung suddenly passed away and the DPRK suffered consecutive natural disasters. However, the Korean people could victoriously conclude the Arduous March and resolutely wage the vigorous drive for translating the ideals of the President into reality under the Songun politics of Kim Jong Il.

His Songun politics helped lay the groundwork for the DPRK to develop into a prosperous and powerful socialist country and provide guarantee for peace in Northeast Asia. It also brought the landmark for Korea's reunification, the core of which is the idea of "By our nation itself", in June 2000.

The Korean people are now undergoing the bitter sorrow at his demise, but they will overcome the present trial as there is the unbreakable ideological unity centered on their leader.

The Sweden-Korea Friendship Association expresses deepest condolences to respected Comrade Kim Jong Un and the Korean people.