North Korea's state-run media said Monday that the North's Red Cross sent a message of sympathy to its Japanese counterpart, a rare move considering the communist state has remained quiet on the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan.

"Jang Jae-on, chairman of the DPRK Red Cross Society, Monday sent a message of sympathy to Konoe Tadateru, president of the Japan Red Cross Society," said the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"Upon hearing the sad news that the northeastern part of your country was hit by unprecedented earthquake and tsunami that claimed huge casualties and material losses, I extend deep sympathy and consolation to you and, through you, to the victims and their families on behalf of the DPRK Red Cross Society," said the KCNA, quoting Jang's message.

The KCNA added that Jang said he hopes that the "living of the victims will come to normal as early as possible thanks to the positive efforts of your society."

North Korea has remained largely mum on the disaster, releasing only a few related news reports through its official news agency and TV station.



(Yonhap News)