BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, on Wednesday sent a message of condolence to Choe Ryong Hae, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), over the passing of Kim Yong Nam, former chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK.

In the message, Zhao expressed deep condolences over the passing of Comrade Kim Yong Nam and extended his sincere sympathies to his family.

Zhao said that Comrade Kim Yong Nam, a close friend of the Chinese people, devoted his entire life to the cause of the socialist revolution and construction of the DPRK and made important contributions to promoting the development of the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK.

The Chinese people will always remember him, Zhao added.