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Kim Jong Il's birthday celebrated

KARACHI: Sindh Irrigation, Power, Communications and Works Minister A.N.G. Abbasi on Thursday said that Pakistan and Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) were "old friends" and hoped for "early unification of North and South Korea".

Speaking at a reception to celebrate the 58th birth anniversary of DPRK leader Kim Jong Il hosted by Pakistan-Korea Friendship Association at a local hotel, he said relations between Pakistan and DPRK had grown over the past few decades. He lauded the achievements of Korean people and wished them continued progress.

"We must maintain traditions of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and great leader Kim Il Sung, who achieved independence for Pakistan and DPRK respectively and work hard for greater progress and prosperity," the minister observed.

DPRK Embassy Islamabad Counsellor Ri Yong Hwan said that friendly relations and cooperation between Pakistan and DPRK would continue to grow with the passage of time.

He said Kim Jong Il wishes continued prosperity of Pakistan. He said people of Korea were steadfast and working for the development of their country despite repressive measures of the United States.

Former Sindh governor Mamnoon Hussain spoke of close ties between Pakistan and DPRK.

Others who spoke were Asadullah Khan and Javed Ansari, president and secretary general Pakistan-Korea Friendship Association, and Prof Umer Farooq. PPI