It said:

I extend deep thanks to you for sending warm congratulatory messages to me on my election as first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and first chairman of the National Defence Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

It is the steadfast stand of our party and government to invariably develop the traditional DPRK-China friendship provided and cultivated by the leaders of elder generations of the two countries.

I believe that the DPRK-China friendship would develop on good terms in the future, too, by joint efforts of both sides as desired by the peoples of the two countries.

Availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to wish the Chinese people greater achievements in the work for building a harmonious socialist society under the leadership of the Communist Party of China with you as general secretary, and you good health and happiness.