Present there on invitation were foreign diplomatic envoys and staff members of foreign embassies in the DPRK.

On hand were Kim Song Nam, international department director of the Central Committee of the WPK, Han Su Chol and Han Man Hyok, vice department directors of the C.C., WPK, Ra Yun Pak, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Ho Yong, vice-chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and officials of the C.C., WPK.

Kim Song Nam said in his speech that Chairman Kim Jong Il wisely led the WPK and the state to build a politico-ideological power of single-minded unity and an invincible military power on this land and firmly consolidated the potentials for the DPRK's independent development.

His feats will shine forever as he further developed international unity, solidarity, friendship and cooperation through his energetic external activities and firmly defended peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and the region, he stressed.

He said that the WPK and the DPRK would hold fast to the stand of foreign policy and further strengthen unity and cooperation with socialist countries and the countries aspiring after independence and justice, regarding anti-imperialist independence as an immutable and consistent primary policy.

Alexandr Matsegora, Russian ambassador to the DPRK who is heading the diplomatic corps, said in his speech that the great Comrade Kim Jong Il was a world-class outstanding statesman and genuine leader of the people, adding that his great exploits are deeply cherished in the hearts of not only the Korean people but also the progressive mankind.

The ambassador pointed out that the President of the State Affairs of the DPRK is creditably carrying forward the revolutionary cause of the preceding leaders, adding that the DPRK is registering good successes in all fields under his leadership.

He sincerely wished the Korean people fresh successes and greater victory under the leadership of the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un.