February 16 this year marks the 70th birth anniversary of Kim Jong Il, he said, expressing highest tribute to him. He went on:

The Korean people paid last farewell to Kim Jong Il all of a sudden last year. This was the greatest loss in the history of the Korean nation spanning five thousand years and the greatest sorrow of the Workers' Party and people of Korea.

During the mourning period the world keenly felt what a great leader the Korean people have held in high esteem as the sun of the nation and the father, while making revolutions.

Great innovations and leap forward were effected in the drive to build a thriving nation in the DPRK thanks to the energetic leadership of Kim Jong Il in 2011, the last year of his great life.

He made a long journey for field guidance, visiting major fronts for building a thriving nation, forefront posts and every nook and corner of the country till the last moments of his life. The 100-year history of Juche era was successfully concluded as a history of great victories and changes thanks to his leadership.

Referring to the struggle of the DPRK government and people to reunify the country last year, he continued:

The historic visits paid by Kim Jong Il to China and Russia, focusing world attention, marked important occasions in ensuring world peace and security in Northeast Asia and developing the traditional friendly relations.

The Korean people will glorify the great revolutionary idea and the undying revolutionary feats of Kim Jong Il for all ages and realize his desire and cause as they are led by the dear respected Kim Jong Un.