Russia and North Korea affirm to strengthen cooperative relations

During the talks, President Putin affirmed that bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is based on the principles of equality and respect for each other's interests. He also appreciated North Korea's support for Russia's policies.

For his part, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared in his opening remarks at the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin that North Korea is determined to promote strategic cooperation with Russia in the future, and that the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang is entering a new phase of prosperity. Kim Jong Un also affirmed Pyongyang's full support for Moscow's policies. According to Kim Jong Un, at this meeting, he and Putin hope to exchange constructive ideas and opinions on strengthening cooperation and mutual exchanges between the two countries in all areas.

The Russian delegation included senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Presidential Adviser on International Affairs Yuri Ushakov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexey Krivoruchko.

Meanwhile, senior North Korean officials attending the talks included Premier Kim Tok Hun, Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea Pak Jong-chon, Secretary of the Party Central Committee Jo Yong-won, Director of the International Department of the Party Central Military Commission Kim Song Nam and Vice Foreign Minister Im Chong Il.

Earlier in the day, an official welcoming ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin was held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang.