North Korean state media report that United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has sent a letter of sympathy to Pyongyang.

Media in the North have rarely named the Ban in their reports.

North Korea's Central News Agency said the UN chief expressed condolences for the North Korean government and people on behalf of the UN.

The agency also said the secretary-general promised to continue support for the North Korean people.

KCNA also cited Ban as saying he hoped for efforts within the communist state aimed at peace, stability and development.