Pyongyang, December 26 (KCNA) -- Political and social personages of Ecuador visited the mourning station of the DPRK Koryo medical aid group in Quito on Dec. 21 to express condolences over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

Among them were Julio Bueno Fernando, special envoy of the Ecuadorian vice-president, Milton Burbano, chairman of the Ecuadorian National Preparatory Committee for Commemorating the Centenary of Birth of President Kim Il Sung, Nelson Ortiz, director general of the Television Station "Tele Andina 23", and Rene Regato, member of the C.C., Communist Party of Ecuador.

The visitors laid wreaths before the portrait of Kim Jong Il at the mourning station and observed a moment's silence.

Julio Bueno Fernando noted that the vice-president expressed his deep condolences over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il and sent him as a special envoy to pay respects to the leader.

Nelson Ortiz said that his family, who received love and benevolence of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il much more than anyone else, would as ever hold those great men in high esteem as eternal father.

Milton Burbano said Kim Jong Il is a great statesman recognized by the world.

His Songun idea has served as the treasured sword of sure victory protecting the DPRK in every way and as the beacon of hope for the world progressives, he added.

Though he passed away, his revolutionary Songun idea will show the road ahead of mankind forever as there is Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, he stressed.