Kim Yong Nam, the former nominal head of state of North Korea and a lifelong loyalist of the country’s ruling family, has died, according to state media.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday that the 97-year-old politician, who led the country’s parliament for more than two decades and served as a senior diplomat, died on Monday of multiple organ failure related to cancer.

“Comrade Kim Yong-nam, an old-generation revolutionary who left extraordinary achievements in the development history of our party and country, wrapped up his noble life at age of 97,” the KCNA said.

KCNA said that leader Kim Jong Un visited the bier of Kim Yong Nam early on Tuesday to express deep condolences over his death. It said that Kim Yong Nam’s funeral had been scheduled for Thursday.

Ki

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