Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un began talks after the end of the military parade in Beijing today, world agencies reported, quoted by BTA.
Putin and Kim were the main foreign guests at the event marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over militaristic Japan, which, according to the Associated Press, was attended by a total of 26 foreign leaders.
The Russian president and the North Korean leader traveled together in Putin's official car for the talks, Reuters notes, citing a Kremlin publication on "Telegram". At the beginning of the meeting, Putin thanked Kim for North Korea's contribution to the "fight against neo-Nazism," TASS reported.
He was referring to the assistance provided by the North Korean army in pushing back Ukrainian soldiers who invaded Russia's Kursk region in August last year.
"On your initiative, as is well known, your special forces participated in the liberation of the Kursk region. Your soldiers fought bravely and heroically," the Russian president told the North Korean leader.
"I would like to note that we will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your servicemen. On behalf of the Russian people, I would like to thank you for your participation in the joint struggle," Putin also told Kim.
I am ready to do "everything I can to help" Russia, the North Korean leader said in response, quoted by the state news agency KCNA. He noted that cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has increased significantly since they signed a partnership agreement in June last year.