The message expressed the deepest condolences upon the sad news that Marshal Dmitri Yazov, a close comrade and friend of the DPRK, died of a chronic illness.

It said that Yazov was a prominent military and political activist, genuine patriot and model veteran who joined the army in his early years and performed feats in the sacred Patriotic War against the fascist German invaders and dedicated his whole life to bolstering up defence capabilities of the country.

It noted that Yazov made a tangible contribution to deepening the friendly feelings of the peoples of the DPRK and Russia while sincerely respecting and revering Kim Jong Il, the great leader of the Korean people.

It stressed that though he passed away, his exploits would remain long in the minds of the peoples of the two countries.