Pyongyang, December 26 (KCNA) -- The first deputy speaker of the State Duma of Russia on Dec. 23 paid a condolatory visit to the DPRK embassy in Moscow on the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

He left a bouquet before the portrait of Kim Jong Il and expressed profound condolences.

He said:

The sudden demise of Kim Jong Il is a great loss not only to the Korean people but also to the friendly Russian people.

Our Russian people and all deputies to the State Duma, sharing the present sadness and sorrow with the Korean people, are sure that they will creditably carry forward to completion the cause of Comrade Kim Jong Il, closely rallied around respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of the DPRK.