Over the past 40 years, Kim Jong Il, who is also Chairman of the National Defence Commission and Supreme Commander of the DPRK People's Army, has led the people of the DPRK to many achievements in national defence and construction, said the ambassador.

On this occasion, the ambassador recalled the history of the friendly and cooperative ties between the DPRK and Vietnam, and expressed his belief that bilateral relations will further develop for the interests of the two peoples and for peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region and the world.