North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of China's Victory Day parade.
On the 4th, the (North) Korean Central News Agency reported, "The two countries discussed in detail their prospective cooperation plans and confirmed their commitment to developing bilateral relations."
The agency reported, "The two leaders reaffirmed their firm resolve to continue guiding bilateral relations to a high level."
Additionally, they exchanged opinions candidly on major international issues and emphasized their 'blood alliance' alongside expanding cooperation in various fields such as military and economy.
President Putin highly valued the heroism of North Korean troops dispatched to Kursk on the occasion of Victory Day, stating, "Russia will never forget the brave sacrifices of the North Korean army." Chairperson Kim Jong-un emphasized, "I support Russia's struggle to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests as a fraternal duty and will remain faithful to the implementation of the North-Russia treaty."
It is anticipated that the meeting also discussed specific cooperation measures regarding the dispatch of North Korean troops for mine clearance in the Kursk region and reconstruction support. Russia has indicated that it will maintain its 'comprehensive strategic partnership' with North Korea, even after the end of the war in Ukraine.
President Putin is reported to have invited Chairperson Kim to visit Russia again, although North Korean media did not separately mention this. The two leaders also showcased their trilateral alliance with China by ascending the Tiananmen Tower alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The summit that took place after the parade lasted for 2 hours and 30 minutes in private, and the two leaders exchanged hugs with smiles on their faces afterward.