Pyongyang, December 24 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, received a message of condolences from Idriss Deby Itno, president of the Republic of Chad, on Dec. 19.

The message said:

We have learned with bitter sorrow and deep regret about the surprising news that HE Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, passed away of a sudden illness on December 17, 2011.

At this grievous time I, on behalf of the Chadian people and government and on my own behalf, express our heartfelt condolences to you and entrust you with respect to convey our sympathy to the people of your country.

Please accept my deep condolences to you again.