Pyongyang, February 15, 2002 (KCNA) -- Jalaleddin Namini Mianji, Iranian ambassador to the DPRK, hosted a reception in the embassy yesterday on the occasion of leader Kim Jong Il's birthday. The ambassador in his speech expressed his most heartfelt congratulations to Kim Jong Il on his birthday.
    He said that Iran and the DPRK are advancing, overcoming the pressure of the imperialists under the wise guidance of their leaders though the U.S. imperialists are making desperate efforts to invade those countries aspiring after independence.
    Steadfast is the stand of the Islamic Republic of Iran supporting Korea's reunification, the ambassador said, hoping that the Korean people would make success in their efforts to achieve the reunification of the country.
    Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, said in his speech that the birth of Kim Jong Il as the bright star of Mt. Paektu was a great auspicious event of the Korean nation, as it had the peerlessly great man who would carry to completion the revolutionary cause of Juche, and a historic event that promised a bright future of Korea.
    The relations between the DPRK and Iran are the traditional relationship of friendship and cooperation provided by President Kim Il Sung and the Iranian leaders, yang said, adding that the Korean people would as ever make their positive efforts to expand and develop the friendly relations with Iran in various fields.
    Invited to the reception were foreign minister Paek Nam Sun, minister of foreign trade Ri Kwang Gun, minister of labour Ri Won Il who is chairman of the Korea-Iran Friendship Association and others.