President Putin says Russia-North Korea relations are important in the modern world
In an article published in North Korea's Nodong Sinmun newspaper, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that the Russia-North Korea relationship is of great importance in the modern world.
According to RIA Novosti on June 18, an article by Russian President Vladimir Putin was published in North Korea's Nodong Sinmun newspaper right before the Russian leader's visit to North Korea. The article was posted on the Kremlin's website in Russian and English.
"Ahead of my state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, I would like to share with the readers of the Nodong Sinmun newspaper my thoughts on the prospects of partnership between our countries and its importance in the modern world," Russian President Putin wrote.
President Putin noted that the friendly and good-neighborly relations between Russia and the DPRK, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust, have existed for more than seven decades and have a glorious historical tradition.
"The peoples of the two countries always keep the memory of the shared hardships in the common struggle against Japanese militarism, and honor the heroic martyrs who opened the way to independence for Korea," President Putin added.
Mr. Putin said that Russia and North Korea are currently actively developing a partnership in many aspects.
"We appreciate North Korea's strong support for Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. Pyongyang's solidarity with Moscow on important international issues and its readiness to defend common interests and positions at the United Nations," President Putin said.
On June 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin will make his first state visit to North Korea since 2000. The visit will last two days. The Russian leader will have a face-to-face meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The Kremlin said that after the talks, the leaders will hold a press conference and continue to talk with each other.
Right after his two-day visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to Vietnam, at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, on June 19-20.
