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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Chairman,

I am very pleased to meet with you in Russia. Our colleagues agreed to hold this meeting a long time ago.

First of all, allow me to congratulate you on your election to the high office of the Head of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. I sent you a letter of congratulations to this effect at the time, but now I have the pleasure to convey my congratulations to you in person.

In this connection, let me note that last year we marked 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. The founder of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea paid his first visit to Moscow in 1949. I also remember my visit to your country.

Your father was among those who spearheaded the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between our countries, which is a fundamental instrument. I have no doubt that today’s visit to Russia will help further develop bilateral relations and help us better understand ways of bringing about a settlement on the Korean Peninsula, what we can do together, and what Russia can do to facilitate the positive processes that we are witnessing today.

We certainly welcome your efforts to promote inter-Korean dialogue and normalisation in DPRK-US relations.

Of course, there is a lot we have to achieve on the bilateral track to promote trade and economic relations, as well as cultural and educational ties.

Welcome!

Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK Kim Jong-un (retranslated): I would like to thank you, Mr President, for your kind invitation and for paying so much attention to my visit despite your extremely packed schedule. You have travelled thousands of kilometres from Moscow in order to meet me here.

I would also like to congratulate you on the fact that last year the people of Russia elected you as the head of Great Russia, as well as on your successful efforts to build a stronger Russia.

Mr President, just as you, I hope that our meeting will help strengthen and expand the traditional and long-standing ties of friendship between DPRK and Russia.

I would also like to say that the international community has been following very closely the latest developments on the Korean Peninsula. I hope that our talks make a significant contribution to this process, by offering us an opportunity to assess these developments, exchange views and combine our efforts to settle this matter. I look forward to a meaningful exchange of opinions today.

Vladimir Putin: I am sure it will be that way.

Thank you very much.

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