Pyongyang, December 25 (KCNA) -- Ignacio Milan Tang, prime minister of Equatorial Guinea, paid a condolatory visit to the DPRK embassy in Malabo on Dec. 23 on the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

He was accompanied by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophone Affairs and the prime minister's office.

The prime minister and his party expressed condolences before the portrait of Kim Jong Il.

He wrote in the mourners' book:

On behalf of HE Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, founder-chairman of the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea and president of the African Union, and the government of Equatorial Guinea, I express our deepest condolences over the demise of Comrade Kim Jong Il, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and deep sympathy to the fraternal Korean people and the bereaved family in sorrow.

The demise of HE Kim Jong Il is a great loss not only to the Korean people but also to the Equatorial Guinean people, who lost their close friend.

Though he passed away, his immortal feats will remain long in the hearts of the Korean people.

The government of Equatorial Guinea will continue to strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship with the DPRK, an old friend, as it did when HE Kim Jong Il was alive.