In the statement titled "Kim Jong Il is the eternal general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK)" the first secretary said:

Kim Jong Il passed away but the Korean people are holding him in high esteem as the eternal general secretary of the WPK. This is by no means symbolic.

The idea and line of Kim Jong Il serve as the eternal guidelines of the WPK.

The theory on Songun politics formulated by him, in particular, serves as an ever-victorious banner for defending the sovereignty of the country and nation and preserving the independence of the popular masses today when the imperialists' policy of strength is getting evermore undisguised.

The validity and vitality of Kim Jong Il's Songun line were clearly proved in the DPRK's reality.

The DPRK is demonstrating its dignity and might as a satellite manufacturer and launcher and nuclear weapons state in the world while smashing the extreme economic sanctions and blockade by the U.S.-led imperialist allied forces. This is entirely ascribable to the wise guidance of Kim Jong Il.

He laid the firm foundation for building an economic power.

His idea and cause will always remain in the hearts of the Korean people and the progressives struggling for global independence.