Pyongyang, October 18 (KCNA) -- Nong Duc Manh, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, left here Thursday by a special plane after successfully winding up his official goodwill visit to the DPRK at the invitation of Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the Workers" Party of Korea and chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.

Kim Jong Il saw Nong Duc Manh off at the airport.

Thousands of Pyongyangites turned out to the airport with flags of the two countries and bouquets in their hands.

Among the farewell-bidders were Kim Yong Il, premier of the Cabinet, Kim Il Chol, minister of the People"s Armed Forces, Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People"s Assembly, Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Kim Jong Gak, first vice-director of the General Political Department of the Korean People"s Army, Kang Sok Ju, first vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, leading officials of party and power bodies, ministries and national institutions and Ma Chol Su, DPRK ambassador to Vietnam.

Also on hand were Ambassador Le Van Cu and staff members of the Vietnamese embassy here.

Nong Duc Manh together with Kim Yong Nam, president of the SPA Presidium, arrived at the airport.

Suite members of Nong Duc Manh came to the airport for departure.

A farewell function took place at the airport.

Kim Jong Il and Nong Duc Manh reviewed the guard of honor of the KPA three services.

A woman worker presented Nong Duc Manh with a bouquet carrying friendly feelings.

Kim Jong Il and Nong Duc Manh received fragrant bouquets from women of the Vietnamese embassy here.

Nong Duc Manh exchanged farewell greetings with officials present there.

Kim Jong Il exchanged a firm handshake with Nong Duc Manh and warmly hugged him.

Nong Duc Manh expressed profound thanks to Kim Jong Il for the particularly cordial hospitality accorded to him during his stay in the DPRK.

The plane took off Pyongyang Airport at 3 p.m.

Nong Duc Manh"s visit to the DPRK marked an important occasion in developing the friendship and solidarity between the parties, countries and peoples of the DPRK and Vietnam at a higher level.