The Zambian President said that he was well aware of the DPRK's support and encouragement rendered to the African people in the struggle for independence, freedom, national liberation and economic development.

Noting that the DPRK has long and fully supported the just cause of the Zambian people, he expressed the steadfast stand to steadily boost the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

Kim Yong Nam also met and had a talk with Esteban Lazo Hernandez, vice-president of the Council of State of Cuba who paid a courtesy call on him on the same day.

The vice-president referred to the bilateral relations continuously developing on good terms despite the complicate international situation, adding that Cuba positively supports the principled strong stand taken by the DPRK and its efforts to achieve the peaceful reunification of the country without foreign forces' interference.

Noting that the DPRK's satellite launch is the just exercise of the right of a sovereign state, he declared that Cuba decisively rejects any sanctions against the DPRK and resolutely opposes high-handed and arbitrary practices in the international arena.

During his visit to South Africa Kim Yong Nam met with the Presidents of Namibia, Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea and Kenya, the chairman of the African Union Committee, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and the vice-president of Gabon who attended the swearing in ceremony of the South African President.