Present there on invitation were Kang Sok Ju, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Pak Kun Gwang, vice department director, and other officials of the WPK Central Committee.

Present there were Op Sisawada, Cambodian ambassador to the DPRK who is chairman of the ASEAN Committee in the DPRK; Kiettisak Keobanhdith, Lao ambassador; Pham Viet Hung, Vietnamese ambassador; and Ilham Tuah Bin Illias, Malaysian charge d' affaires ad interim.

Op Sisawada said in his speech that the great Generalissimo HE Kim Jong Il developed the DPRK into an invincible political, ideological and military power which stands dignified thanks to independence and strong thanks to Songun politics.

He paid highest tribute to Kim Jong Il, eternal image of the great Paektusan nation.

Kang Sok Ju said in his speech that Kim Jong Il who performed undying exploits on behalf of the country and its people, the times and history would always be remembered by the Korean people and the world progressives.

The DPRK will as ever make positive efforts to boost the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation with ASEAN countries, Kang added.