North Korea’s new leader Kim Jong Eun has sent replies to all of the heads of state who sent official condolences following Kim Jong Il’s death.
Korean Central Television reported on January 28, “Comrade Kim Jong Eun has sent reply telegrams to the various heads of state who expressed their deepest condolences regarding the passing of our Dear Leader Kim Jong Il,” adding that Kim “expressed his warmest gratitude for their deep condolences and heartfelt consolation.”
The public reply sent to foreign heads of state, signed in Kim Jong Eun’s name, is seen by some as his official debut on the diplomatic stage.
Kim Jong Eun sent replies to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, as well as the leaders of Cuba, Nepal, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, Cambodia and dozens of others.
Kim also expressed in his telegram that he hopes to develop a relationship of friendship and cooperation.
According to KCTV, China was not included in the list of recipients. Observers claim that Kim Jong Eun may have already sent a private reply to China through Liu Hongcai, the Chinese Ambassador to North Korea, or plan to do so separately in the near future.
Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the North Korean Embassy in China to express his condolences following Kim Jong Il’s death, along with other core members of the Chinese Politburo Standing Committee.
