N. Korean leader sends congratulatory message to Chinese President

SEOUL, Sept. 30 (Yonhap) -- The reportedly ailing North Korean leader Kim Jong-il sent a message to Chinese President Hu Jintao and two other top Beijing officials Tuesday to congratulate them on their country's 59th anniversary.

"We send our passionate congratulation and greetings to you and the Chinese
Communist Party, the Chinese government and the people through you on the
occasion of the 59th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of
China," Kim said in the message carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency
(KCNA).
In the message, Kim relayed his hope that the traditional ties between the two
countries would develop further through their concerted efforts, the KCNA said.
The message was sent jointly by Kim Yong-nam, chairman of the Presidium of the
Supreme People's Assembly who serves as the country's titular head of state, and
Premier Kim Yong-il to President Hu, China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and
Premier Wen Jiabao.
Kim Jong-il has not been seen for more than a month since Aug. 14 when he
reportedly visited a military unit in North Korea. He skipped a major parade to
mark the 60th anniversary of the regime, prompting speculation over his illness.
South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies said Kim, 66, had a stroke in the
middle of August and is now recovering after having surgery. North Korean
officials, however, have denied reports of the leader's poor health.
sshim@yna.co.kr
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