SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova in Pyongyang on Sunday, highlighting growing cultural cooperation between the two countries. The visit marked one year since the signing of the North Korea-Russia Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which took place during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June last year.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Workers' Party of Korea and was attended by Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Matsegora. According to Pyongyang's state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the conversation was friendly and warm throughout.
Kim described the 2023 treaty as a "substantial contribution to the co-prosperity, development, and promotion of the well-being" of both nations. He emphasized that while all areas of cooperation are important, cultural and artistic exchange plays a vital role in "strengthening the foundation of the public mindset" and in deepening "friendship, mutual understanding, and shared sentiment" between the peoples of the two countries. "To that end, we need to expand our cultural exchange and learn more about each other's traditions," he said.
Lyubimova expressed her appreciation for Kim's attention to the Russian delegation's visit. She said it was a meaningful time to be in Pyongyang, "when the strength and resilience of the DPRK-Russia friendship have become even more evident," and cultural cooperation had reached "the highest level in history."
After the meeting, Kim and Lyubimova attended a joint performance at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre. The event featured Russian performers from the Pyatnitsky State Academic Russian Folk Choir and the Gzhel Moscow State Academic Dance Theater, as well as North Korean artists. The program included traditional Russian songs and dances along with North Korean pieces such as "Arirang." One performance included background images showing North Korean soldiers in Ukraine's Kursk region waving both the DPRK and Russian flags.
Kim presented a floral basket to the Russian performers and said he believed the visit would help further strengthen "the militant comradeship and feelings of friendship between the two countries." His daughter, Kim Ju Ae, was present throughout the event and stood by his side during conversations with Lyubimova and Ambassador Matsegora.
Later that day, North Korean Culture Minister Sung Jong Gyu and Lyubimova met at the Mansudae Assembly Hall and signed a cultural cooperation agreement covering the years 2025 to 2027. The Russian delegation also visited Pyongyang's Liberation Tower, a monument commemorating Soviet soldiers who died fighting Japanese forces in Korea during World War II.
North Korea has continued to spotlight its deepening ties with Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine, reinforcing its alignment through military cooperation, high-level exchanges, and joint cultural initiatives.
Kim Jong Un meets Russian culture minister, pushes for stronger cultural ties
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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