Kim Jong-un Calls Russia A True Friend, President Putin Rejects Efforts To Blame North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Source: Vladimir Smirnov / TASS)

JAKARTA - Kim Jong-un called Russia a true friend, while President Vladimir Putin rejected attempts to blame North Korea for the worsening situation in the world.

The two leaders held a meeting at the Kumsusan Palace, Pyongyang on Wednesday. After the expanded meeting, the two countries signed a new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

Giving a statement after the signing, Leader Kim called Russia a "true friend" and President Vladimir Putin "a dear friend of the Korean people."

"At this point, when the whole world turned its eyes on Pyongyang, where the friendly mission from Russia has arrived, I stand with my Russian colleagues, true friends and co-workers, in this solemn hall," said Leader Kim, launching TASS June 19.

He further noted that the conclusion of a "very strong agreement" between Russia and North Korea would not have been possible without "extraordinary forward views" and President Putin's determination, "the dear friend of the Korean people."

Meanwhile, President Putin in turn rejected efforts to blame North Korea for the worsening situation in the world.

"Efforts to blame North Korea for the deteriorating situation are unacceptable," President Putin said.

"North Korea has the right to take reasonable steps to strengthen its own defense capabilities, ensure national security and protect its sovereignty," he stressed.

On that occasion President Putin pointed out, "Russia is ready to continue its political and diplomatic efforts to eliminate the threat of recurrence of armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula and create a long-term architecture of peace and stability based on the principle of integrated security."

It is known that talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in an expanded format lasted for an hour and a half, followed by a one-on-one conversation.