Present there on invitation were Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Pak Ui Chun, minister of Foreign Affairs, Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, Pak Kun Gwang, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Mun Song Mo, director of the General Bureau of Diplomatic Corps Affairs, and officials concerned.

Haissam Saad in his speech praised Kim Jong Il as an indomitable fighter who made tireless efforts for the country and people.

Kim Jong Il turned the DPRK into a nuclear state and demonstrated the might of the country on the world political arena, he added.

He hoped that the DPRK would achieve progress and prosperity under the leadership of the dear respected Kim Jong Un, who is identical to Kim Jong Il in idea, charisma and traits.

Yang Hyong Sop said in his speech that the idea and cause of Kim Jong Il have successfully been inherited by Kim Jong Un.

He expressed the firm stand of the DPRK to value and develop the friendly and cooperative relations with Syria.