Invited to the reception were Ri Su Yong, member of the Political Bureau and vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Sin Hong Chol, vice-foreign minister, Kim Ik Song, general director of the General Bureau for Affairs with Diplomatic Corps, and officials concerned.

Present there were Seyed Mohsen Emadi, Iranian ambassador the DPRK, and members of his embassy.

Seyed Mohsen Emadi in a speech said that Kim Jong Il performed distinguished exploits in firmly defending the sovereignty of the nation.

Noting that the historical friendly relations between Iran and the DPRK further boosted under the leadership and care of Kim Jong Il, the ambassador paid high respect to Kim Jong Il who made great efforts for developing the bilateral relations.

Ri Su Yong in a speech said that it is an expression of the Iranian friends' deep reverence for Kim Jong Il that they significantly celebrate the Day of the Shining Star together with the Korean people every year.

Saying that the friendly and cooperative ties between the DPRK and Iran are developing each day, he stressed that the Korean people would as ever extend positive support to the Iranian people in their struggle for defending the country's sovereignty and dignity and justice.