Present there on invitation were Yang Hyong Sop, vice president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Pak Ui Chun, foreign minister, Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, Jong Yong Su, minister of Labor, Kim Jong Suk, chairwoman of the Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and officials concerned.

The ambassador said in a speech at the reception that Kim Jong Il was a great leader who worked heart and soul for the prosperity of socialist Korea, the people's happiness and the accomplishment of the cause of global independence.

He recalled that Iran and DPRK have supported with each other in the international arena, proceeding from their common stance, adding that the friendly relations between the two countries have steadily developed in different fields including politics, economy and culture.

The ambassador expressed belief that the Korean people would achieve greater successes in their efforts to implement the behests of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il under the leadership of the dear respected Kim Jong Un.

Yang Hyong Sop said in his speech Kim Jong Il who was born as a son of guerrillas wisely led the overall work of the party, state and army, thus turning the DPRK into an invulnerable socialist bulwark.

Kim Jong Il firmly defended socialism under the uplifted banner of Songun and made an immortal contribution to peace and security in the Korean Peninsula and the rest of the world, he added.

Yang expressed the country's will to strive for boosting the friendly and cooperative relations with Iran in the idea of independence, friendship and peace in the future, too.