The state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday that the figure of the former leader was praised in many countries on the occasion of his 82nd birthday.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Communist Party General Secretary Sylvere Boswa Isekombe said that Kim Jong Il devoted his life to the prosperity and defense of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and laid the foundation to build a prosperous nation.

In Romania, Vasile Orleanu, chairman of the Supreme Council of the National Socialist Party, said in an article that the visionary leader’s tireless work brought about a miraculous reality in the DPRK.

Christer Lundgren, president of the Sweden-Korea Friendship Association, noted that Kim Jong Il’s steadfast defense of the sovereignty and dignity of the DPRK made it possible to crush the imperialist campaigns against the DPRK.

Kim Jong Il was born on February 16, 1941, a date enshrined as the Day of the Starry Light in recognition of his invaluable contributions to national independence and sovereignty.

During these days, political and cultural events were organized in many countries to commemorate the anniversary.

Congratulatory messages were also sent to Kim Jong Un, WPK general secretary and chairman of the State Affairs Committee, highlighting the progress of socialist construction in the DPRK.

jg/abo/ro/asg