Present there on invitation were Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim Jong Suk, chairwoman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and other officials concerned.

Referring to the validity of Songun politics of Kim Jong Il, the ambassador said:

His exploits for progressive mankind as well as the Korean people will go down forever.

He made tremendous contributions to developing friendship between the two countries. The friendly relations between the two parties, armies and peoples would grow stronger.

Yang Hyong Sop said the Cuban people significantly celebrated the Day of the Shining Star with the Korean people, a manifestation of their deep reverence for Kim Jong Il.

He said that Kim Jong Il would always live in the hearts of not only the Korean people but the world progressives, praising his life as the one of a revolutionary who took the untrodden path with firm will and superhuman energy.

He said that the Korean people would make every effort to further develop the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation with the Cuban people true to the noble intention of President Kim Il Sung, leader Kim Jong Il and Marshal Kim Jong Un.