Havana, October 2^nd, 2005

Comrade Kim Jong Il

General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea

Chairman of the National Defense Committee the

People’s Republic of Korea

Supreme Commander of the People’s Army of Korea

On the occasion of the 60^th Anniversary of the founding of the Workers Party of Korea, I convey to you, to the Party, the Government and the people of Korea our warmest congratulations.

We will always remember the dear President Kim Il Sung, founder and guider of the Party and the Republic, for his profound love, support and solidarity towards the Cuban people and our Revolution. His useful and fruitful life, wholly devoted to the anti-imperialist struggle, the socialist cause, the wellbeing of his people and the reunification of the homeland, is present in his work and his historic legacy.

Both Cuba and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were faced with a complex and difficult situation during the last decade following the changes that occurred at the international level, including the increased hostility and aggression of the United States government.

In spite of the enormous difficulties, our two peoples continued to build socialism, demonstrating the strength and relevance of their ideas, the importance of the unity of revolutionary people and the decisive leading role played by the Communist Party of Cuba and the Workers Party.

As becomes such a significant date, I renew to you my warmest congratulations and the will to continue strengthening the relations existing between our parties, governments and peoples.

Fidel Castro Ruz

First Secretary of the Central Committee of the

Communist Party of Cuba and

President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers of the

Republic of Cuba

(Granma) October 11, 2005