The Syrian president in his message said that he remembered with deep emotion Kim Jong Il on Dec. 17, the first anniversary of his demise.

He said much water has flown under the bridge, but he was urged to continually remember the outstanding state leader and the great leader.

Commemorating this day, I look back on the exploits Kim Jong Il performed by leading the people to remain true to their principle, line and idea of resistance even under the difficult situation and steering the DPRK to achieve progress, development and great successes in socialist construction and win a victory in the struggle to defend the country, and highly appreciate them, he noted, and continued:

The Syrian people join Your Excellency, the leadership of the DPRK and the friendly people of your country in expressing reverence for Kim Jong Il on the anniversary of his demise.

It is great inspiration for us that Your Excellency who grasped the Juche idea under the care of the great leader are carrying forward the victorious advance, continually leading the friendly Korean people along the road indicated by President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, the message concluded.