In an interview with KCNA, he said:

I warmly congratulate Kim Jong Il on his birthday and heartily wish him good health.

He, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, enjoys deep respect and high praise from all people for his immortal exploits for the times and history.

He has devoted his all to the accomplishment of the socialist cause.

He authored "Socialism Is a Science" and many other works to clarify the scientific accuracy and truth of socialism.

Those works serve as a militant banner dynamically propelling the socialist movement.

Kim Jong Il is the prominent leader steering the socialist cause to victory.

Thanks to the Songun politics the strength of the DPRK has been boosted and its external prestige remarkably raised.

The reality of the DPRK gives confidence and courage to us.

We extend full support to the Korean people in the efforts for the country's prosperity and national reunification.

We will as ever strive to develop the friendly relations between the two parties.