North Korea and Russia marked the 77th anniversary of their bilateral treaty on economic and cultural cooperation with a banquet in Pyongyang. Russia's acting ambassador to North Korea, Vladimir Topekha, reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to advancing ties. The treaty was signed on March 31, 1949.
North Korea and Russia commemorated the 77th anniversary of their Economic and Cultural Cooperation Agreement with a banquet held on Tuesday in Pyongyang, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Wednesday. Russia's acting ambassador to North Korea, Vladimir Topekha, reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to further advancing cooperation with Pyongyang during the event. The agreement, signed on March 31, 1949, paved the way for Moscow to provide loans and resources to help Pyongyang build a socialist economy. In his speech, Topekha stated that the Russian people feel 'satisfied' with the strategic partnership forged between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, which is becoming more cemented and validated against the backdrop of complex international political situations. He expressed Russia's support for economic development and 'autonomous' foreign policies outlined at last month's North Korean ruling party congress, adding that bilateral cooperative relations will expand and advance across all sectors in the future. North Korea's external economic relations minister, Yun Jong-ho, noted their countries' 'actively expanding' relations in the political, economic and cultural fields under the leadership of the two presidents. He expressed confidence that Russia's military and people would prevail in their 'righteous' struggle to safeguard their sovereignty, security and strategic interests.
