Present there on invitation were Pak Ui Chun, foreign minister; Pak Kun Gwang, vice-department director of the C.C., the Workers' Party of Korea; Pak Kil Yon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs; Kim Jin Bom, vice-chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries who doubles as vice-chairman of the DPRK-India Friendship Association; and officials concerned and foreign diplomatic envoys and representatives of international bodies here.

Present there were staff members of the Indian embassy here.

Ajay Kumar Sharma in a speech at the reception said that India values the traditional and friendly relations with the DPRK.

He noted that the Indian people are admiring President Kim Il Sung, the eternal leader of the Korean people.

He expressed the will to make efforts to contribute to boosting the bilateral friendly relations.

Pak Ui Chun said that the DPRK is rejoiced over the fact that the Indian government and people have registered great achievements in the efforts to build a strong state.

He noted that it is the steadfast stand of the government of the DPRK to value and strengthen the bilateral friendly and cooperative ties associated with the noble feats of Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

The DPRK will continue to boost the bilateral ties in the political, economic, cultural and various other fields in keeping with the common interests and desire of the two peoples, he stressed.