Brisk preparations were made to celebrate the Day of the Shining Star significantly from the outset of the year under the sponsorship of governments, political parties and public organizations in many countries.

Following the formation of national preparatory committees for celebration of his 73rd birth anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria and Cotonou, Benin on Jan. 9, similar preparatory committees were organized in more than 50 countries and regions including Russia, Mongolia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Norway, UK and Germany.

Especially in Russia, nine preparatory committees were inaugurated one after another in different regions including Moscow, Khabarovsk Territory, Maritime Territory and Ulyanovsk Region.

Meetings, seminars, lectures, round-table talks, photo and book exhibitions, film shows and other colorful events took place in more than 100 countries and regions under the sponsorship of the preparatory committees, governments, political parties and organizations.

Those events held across the world praised his revolutionary career and exploits.

Foreign media gave wide publicity to the revolutionary career of Kim Jong Il who laid eternal foundation for the prosperity of Kim Il Sung's nation and people's happiness and made great contributions to the cause of human independence.