The historic Pyongyang summit and the publication of the North-South Joint Declaration are entirely attributable to leader Kim Jong Il's ardent patriotism and his Songun (military-first) leadership.

After the publication of the joint declaration, the inter-Korean relations of distrust and confrontation had been turned into those of reconciliation, cooperation and unity.

Nearly 140 rounds of inter-Korean dialogues and contacts took place in seven years, including 21 rounds of inter-Korean ministerial talks, 13 rounds of meetings of the north-south committee for the promotion of economic cooperation and meetings of the inter-Korean military authorities.

Severed railways and roads were re-linked and air and sea routes opened between the north and the south, while grand festivals for national reunification taking place in Pyongyang and Seoul one after another.

Representatives of the south Korean political parties and public organizations, as well as personages of different social standings visited Pyongyang on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea, in the wake of the visit to Pyongyang paid by a delegation of the south Korean pressmen.

It was another event of great significance that the Declaration for Development of North-South Relations and Peace and Prosperity was signed at the inter-Korean summit held again in Pyongyang in October, 2007. The adoption of the declaration was a clear manifestation of the steadfast will of the Korean nation to achieve the national reunification.

The undying feats Kim Jong Il performed for national reunification will shine forever in the nation's history.