North Korea to boost cooperation with Russia in arts and culture
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly met with Russia's culture minister and expressed the importance of cultural exchanges between the two countries to deepen mutual understanding and ties.
Monday's edition of the ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim held talks with Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova in Pyongyang on Sunday.
Kim reportedly said exchanges in the field of culture and art play a great role in fostering mutual understanding and ties of friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
Lyubimova also met on Sunday with North Korean Culture Minister Sung Jong Gyu, and reportedly approved a plan to promote cultural exchanges between the two governments.
The paper said the Russian minister's visit coincides with the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty concluded by Pyongyang and Moscow. The pact calls for mutual military support.
Observers say Kim's meeting with the Russian culture minister apparently indicates that the two countries hope to advance their ties in non-military fields.
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