Kim Jong Il devoted all his life to the country and its people, the general secretary said, and went on:

Cherishing warm love for the people, he honorably protected the dignity and sovereignty of the nation from all challenges of the imperialist allied forces.

Holding aloft the banner of the Juche idea, he pursued the great Songun politics, protecting the national sovereignty and socialism and wisely leading the cause of national reunification.

As a result, the historic north-south summit was held in June, 2000 and this resulted in the adoption of the June 15 joint declaration, a milestone for Korea's reunification, and the publication of the October 4 declaration, a programme for implementing it, in 2007.

Indeed, his life was a brilliant one totally dedicated to the country and its people.

The Korean people are greatly fortunate to have the dear respected Kim Jong Un identical to him at the top posts of the party, state and army.

We express belief that the Korean people would make bigger successes in their general advance for building a thriving socialist nation and achieving the country's reunification under the leadership of Kim Jong Un.