Russian President Vladimir Putin held a diplomatic meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in the capital Moscow. According to Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, during this meeting on July 19, the parties discussed fundamental issues of bilateral relations and current topics on the international agenda.
Putin emphasized that ties between Russia and North Korea are advancing in every field. Welcoming the North Korean minister at the start of the meeting, the Russian leader said, "Our relations are developing in all directions. I am very glad to see you, welcome."

The Russian President conveyed his greetings to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and expressed his satisfaction with the mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries. Putin particularly touched on military cooperation, thanking for the decision to send Korean People's Army soldiers for the liberation of the Kursk region.
"The valor, courage and heroism of the Korean heroes have been awarded with state decorations of the Russian Federation. We will never forget their sacrifice; we will honor the Korean heroes together with our own citizens," he said.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, for her part, stated that leader Kim Jong-un had reaffirmed his strategic determination to comprehensively develop relations with Russia.