North Korea's foreign relations body says it has sent a condolence telegram to the bereaved family of the founder of the religious group formerly known as the Unification Church, ahead of the 10th anniversary of his death. The group is now called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.

The Asia-Pacific Peace Committee announced through its website that it sent the message on Saturday to the family of the late Moon Sun-myung. His widow, Han Hak-ja, now heads the religious group.

The committee said in the telegram that Moon's efforts for national reconciliation and unity will be remembered for many years to come.

Moon was born in present-day North Korea.

He founded a political group, the International Federation for Victory over Communism.

Moon operated car production and hotel businesses in North Korea after visiting the country in 1991 and meeting with then-leader Kim Il Sung. Moon said his efforts were aimed at reunifying the Korean Peninsula.

After Moon's death on September 3, 2012, the current North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, sent a condolence telegram to his bereaved family.