It was attended by Choe Ryong Hae and other senior officials of the party, state and army, the chairperson of a friendly party, officials of the party, armed forces and power organs, the Cabinet, working people's organizations, ministries and national institutions, heroes and those who had the honor of being received by the leaders and persons of merit.

Also present there were overseas compatriots and the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front.

Present there on invitation were diplomatic envoys of various countries and representatives of the missions of international organizations here and their wives, military attaches and their wives.

Kim Ki Nam, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, said in his speech that the revolutionary career of Kim Jong Il was the most brilliant one of a great revolutionary, peerless patriot and Songun brilliant commander.

He paid highest tribute to Kim Jong Il and extended eternal glory to him, representing the unanimous feelings of the whole army and all people.

He called on the whole party and army and all people to form a fortress, single-mindedly united around Marshal Kim Jong Un, and protect him with their lives and remain true to his monolithic leadership.

The army and people of the DPRK will successfully carry out the behests of Kim Jong Il and thus build a rich and powerful paradise of the people, the best power on this land without fail, he noted.

He clarified the stand of the WPK and the government of the DPRK to write a new history of independent reunification as desired by President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, boost the friendship with the peace-loving countries and make positive efforts to achieve common prosperity of mankind.