Putin to North Korean Leader: Russia Will Never Forget Your Country's Participation in the Fight Against Nazism

SadaNews - President Vladimir Putin held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing today, during which they discussed ways to develop "the close alliance relations between the two countries."

President Putin expressed his happiness at the opportunity to hold a separate meeting with his North Korean counterpart at the beginning of the discussions, emphasizing that the meeting would include discussions of bilateral relations "in all their dimensions and aspects."

He affirmed the special nature of the relations between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea "based on trust and alliance."

Putin praised North Korea's role in "the joint struggle against Nazism, fascism, and militarism," specifically mentioning North Korea's contribution to the liberation of the Kursk region in Russia.

Addressing Kim, Putin said: "We will never forget the sacrifices made by your soldiers and their families. I want to thank you on behalf of the Russian people for this participation in the joint struggle against new Nazism in our era.. Please convey our warmest expressions of gratitude to all the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea."

Putin pointed out that the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing were held wonderfully and at a high level.

For his part, Kim confirmed that the relations between his country and Russia "are developing in all aspects" since the signing of the mutual defense treaty and alliance between the two countries last year.

He added: "If we can help the Russian government and people, we will do so without hesitation and we will provide all support to Russia. This is our fraternal duty."

The meeting came after both leaders attended the commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat and the end of World War II in Beijing.