Present there on invitation were Cambodian Ambassador to the DPRK Chhorn Hay who is chairman of the ASEAN Committee here, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Quang Ba, Lao Ambassador Kiettisak Keobanhdith, Indonesian Ambassador Nasri Gustaman, Charge d'affaires ad interim of the Malaysian embassy Mohamad Hasril Abdul Hamid, and staff members of foreign embassies here.

DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun in a speech at the reception said that Southeast Asia has turned into the region of peace, stability and development from one of disputes, misfortunes and poverty thanks to the efforts of the ASEAN member nations in the past.

President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il put forward the plan for building independent, peaceful and prospering new Asia and paid deep attention to developing relations with ASEAN countries, Pak noted.

The DPRK government will as ever strive to consolidate the bonds of friendship and cooperation with ASEAN member nations and ensure durable peace and stability of the region, he added.

Chhorn Hay said he was pleased with the fact that the DPRK government is taking part in ASEAN meetings and activities, referring to the cooperation being expanded and developed between the DPRK and ASEAN member nations.

ASEAN has turned into a regional cooperation body covering the whole of Southeast Asia, he said, stressing the need for ASEAN member nations to make positive efforts to discharge their mission.