North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called on the parliaments of Russia and his country to work toward fully implementing bilateral treaties.
Kim made the remarks during a meeting in Pyongyang on Thursday with Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, according to North Korean state media. Volodin was visiting to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the Korean Peninsula’s liberation from Japanese occupation.
Kim emphasized the role of the two parliaments in strengthening political and cooperative ties, as well as creating a legislative environment conducive to the development of relations. He expressed hope that both sides would ensure the full implementation of recently signed agreements across all sectors. Kim also received a Liberation Day letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Last year, Kim and Putin signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement committing their militaries to support each other in the event of a third-party attack. The two leaders spoke earlier this week, during which Kim voiced full support for Russia as Putin prepared for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska.
Volodin praised North Korean troops who he said fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine’s Kursk region, claiming they helped repel Ukrainian forces and defend Russia’s sovereignty. He stated that Russia would not forget the “decisive assistance” provided by North Korea at a critical time.
Pyongyang has not disclosed troop numbers, but South Korean officials have alleged that thousands of North Korean personnel were sent to the Russian front. Bodies of North Korean soldiers killed in the conflict have reportedly been returned to Pyongyang.
