North Korean leader Kim Jong Un welcomed a Russian government delegation visiting for the 11th North Korea-Russia Trade, Economic, and Scientific Cooperation Committee meeting, highlighting the growing ties between the two nations.
The state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Tuesday that Kim Jong Un met with Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and the head of the delegation, on Monday.
During the meeting, Kim emphasized that bilateral solidarity and cooperation have strengthened across various sectors following the signing of a new treaty between the two countries. He stated, “As the North Korea-Russia friendly cooperative relationship has reached a new strategic level, we must promote trade, economic, and scientific exchanges between our governments to drive mutual prosperity and development.”
A banquet to welcome the delegation was held at the Yanggakdo International Hotel. Senior officials attended, including Yun Jeong Ho, North Korea’s Minister of External Economic Relations and Chair of the North Korea-Russia Committee, and Aleksandr Matsegora, Russia’s Ambassador to North Korea.
Yun referenced the treaty signed between the two countries’ leaders at the June banquet, noting, “Cooperation and exchanges are taking place in various fields, including politics, economy, culture, and sports.” He expressed optimism that this meeting would significantly advance bilateral cooperation, yielding tangible benefits for both nations’ citizens.
Kozlov responded by affirming that the meeting would be a crucial opportunity to outline tasks and directions for strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The newspaper reported that a Russian Armed Forces General Staff Military Academy delegation, led by Director Vladimir Zarudnitski, arrived in Pyongyang on Monday.
The delegation was greeted at Pyongyang International Airport by Sun Woo Jung Chan, Kim Il Sung Military University Vice President, other North Korean military officers, and Alexei Bartusov, the Russian Embassy’s Defense Attaché in Pyongyang.
Since signing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in June, North Korea and Russia have expanded high-level exchanges across various sectors.