Meeting with Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, allow me to extend my wholehearted greetings to you once again.

We have already spent quite some time together this morning, attending the celebrations held by our Chinese friends. I would like to note that all these events were prepared and conducted at an exceptionally high level. They directly concern our countries because we took part in the common struggle against Nazism, fascism and militarism.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to hold a bilateral meeting with you on the sidelines of today's events. Relations between our countries have recently acquired a special dimension of trust, friendship and alliance. We are well aware that it was at your initiative that your country's special units took part in the liberation of the Kursk Region in full compliance with the new Treaty [on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea].

I would like to emphasise that your soldiers fought valiantly and heroically. We will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your military personnel.

I would like to thank you on behalf of the Russian people for participating in our common fight against modern neo-Nazism. Please convey our heartfelt words of gratitude to all the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

I am happy to see you and to have the opportunity to discuss all aspects and spheres of our bilateral relations.

Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un Kim Jong-unChairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (retranslated): Comrade President,

I am delighted to have the opportunity today to talk about our relations, interaction, the outlook for the further development of our relations, and also to meet with you.

After we signed our interstate treaty in June last year, our relations have been developing in all spheres.

We fought jointly in accordance with that treaty and our obligations to the fraternal Russian people and armed forces set out in the treaty. I would like to extend special thanks to you, Comrade Putin, for your high assessment of our soldiers' heroism, which you have expressed several times, including here.

As I said during our previous meeting, if there is anything we can do to help Russia, we will certainly do that, and we will regard this as our fraternal duty. We will do everything in our power to assist Russia.

We are cooperating in all spheres across various economic sectors. I believe that we must strive for great success to keep pace with the times and to enhance the well-being of our people.

I would like to express my gratitude to you for finding the time to meet with me despite your packed schedule.

Thank you.

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