On the first anniversary of the new treaty between North Korea and Russia, Kim Jong Un met with Olga Lyubimova, the Russian Minister of Culture, who was visiting North Korea, and they attended an artistic performance together.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North Korean Workers’ Party, reported on Monday that Kim received Lyubimova, who is leading the Russian cultural delegation visiting North Korea, at the Party Central Committee headquarters on Sunday, marking the first anniversary of the new treaty between North Korea and Russia.
Kim praised the expanding and deepening exchanges and cooperation across various fields since the signing of the new treaty between the two nations, stating that these efforts are making tangible contributions to the mutual development and well-being of both countries and their peoples.
He further emphasized that while all aspects of national life are important, cultural and artistic exchanges play a crucial role in strengthening the foundation of friendship between the two countries and solidifying bonds of understanding and empathy among their peoples.
Kim emphasized the importance of the cultural sector in shaping bilateral relations, advocating for increased exchanges and cooperation in the arts and culture to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s rich cultural traditions. He expressed hope that this visit would further elevate the spirit of camaraderie and friendship between the two nations.
Guided by Lyubimova, Kim viewed photographs of notable Russian monuments, buildings, and landscapes, and attended performances by both Russian and North Korean artistic troupes.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials from the Party and government, as well as leaders, creators, and artists from the cultural sector. Members of the Russian Ministry of Culture delegation and staff from the Russian embassy in North Korea were also present.
The newspaper reported that performances featuring Russia’s unique traditional culture, customs, and rich history, through famous Russian songs and folk dances, left a deep impression on the audience. It also noted that Korean songs, including the folk song Arirang, were performed to beautiful and elegant melodies, delighting the spectators.
During the reciprocal performance, North Korean artists conveyed the noble sentiments and patriotism of the peoples of both nations, who are confidently overcoming historical challenges and forging ahead into the future, through their musical selections.
On June 28, North Korean Minister of Culture Sung Jong Gyu and Lyubimova held talks at the Mansudae Assembly Hall. The meeting included Vice Minister of Culture Pak Kyong Chol and Aleksandr Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea.
During this meeting, they discussed specific measures to enhance and expand cultural exchanges and cooperation between North Korea and Russia, culminating in the signing of a 2025-2027 cultural cooperation plan between the two ministries.
As North Korea strengthens its military ties with Russia, including alleged troop deployments to the Ukraine conflict, both countries are also bolstering their social and cultural exchanges.
The visit of the Russian Ministry of Culture delegation to North Korea commemorates the first anniversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to Pyongyang in June of the previous year, following an invitation from the North Korean Ministry of Culture.