The former Zimbabwean President Robert G. Mugabe visited our country from January 21 to 23, 1987.

He achieved independence of Zimbabwe in 1980 after conducting a protracted armed struggle. After having groped for the right way ahead for independent development and building of a new society of the country, he decided to come to Pyongyang to meet again and receive teachings from Comrade Kim Il Sung who was greatly admired by all people as a great leader of the world revolution and great master of independent politics.

Comrade Kim Il Sung extended warm welcome and hospitality to President Mugabe and gave detailed teachings on the directions and ways which would enable the Zimbabwean people to stand on their feet, saying that the people of the two countries are close comrades and brothers united on the one road of independence against imperialism and the non-aligned movement.

He was so charmed by the great personality and distinguished leadership ability of President Kim Il Sung . At the end of his visit, he expressed his strong feelings of boundless respect and reverence for President Kim Il Sung who gave valuable teachings on the work to consolidate sovereign independence of Zimbabwe and promote the well-being of the people of Zimbabwe.

True feelings of reverence for President Kim Il Sung were cherished in his inner mind since he waged an armed struggle for independence of Zimbabwe.

When President Mugabe visited our country for the first time in 1978 at the height of the armed struggle of the Zimbabwean people, President Kim Il Sung expressed full support and encouragement to them and rendered material support which were urgently needed for the victory of their armed struggle.

During his lifetime, he never forgot the benevolence of President Kim Il Sung who gave him valuable teachings on independent development and the building of a new society of the country, and did his level best for the improvement of relations between two countries, regarding the DPRK as his second motherland.

Several decades have passed but the friendly relations between the DPRK and Zimbabwe are invariably carried forward beyond the century and generation after generation.

The DPRK government remains consistent in its stand to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations with Zimbabwe under the ideals of independence, peace and friendship.

We will make an active contribution towards the continued strengthening and development of the friendly relations between the DPRK and Zimbabwe which are based on the long history and tradition, as required by the new era and in the interests of the peoples of the two countries.

Pak Yong Hyok

Secretary General of Korea-Africa Association