Present there on invitation were Choe Thae Bok, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Pak Ui Chun, minister of Foreign Affairs, Ri Yong Chol, vice department director of the C.C., the WPK, Hong Son Ok, vice-chairperson of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and officials concerned.

Staff members of the Russian embassy were on hand.

Valery E. Sukhinin said at the reception that Kim Jong Il, who is well known in Russia as a prominent world statesman, has shown deep care for the development of the traditional friendly relations between the two countries.

Expressing belief that the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries would develop on a new higher stage thanks to their joint efforts, he wished the Korean people signal progress in the drive to build a thriving nation and improve the standard of living.

Choe Thae Bok in his speech stressed that Kim Jong Il indicated the way for the Korean people and the progressive humankind to follow and has performed undying exploits for the times and history.

He expressed belief that the bilateral friendly relations with a long historical root would further develop in various domains this year marking the 10th anniversary of the publication of the DPRK-Russia joint declaration and the conclusion of the DPRK-Russia treaty and the 65th anniversary of Korea's liberation.

A reception was also given at the consulate general of Russia in Chongjin on the same day.