Pyongyang, November 15 (KCNA) -- The DPRK government hosted a reception at Pyongyang Koryo Hotel on Tuesday evening in welcome of the visiting Russian government delegation.

Present there on invitation were the Russian government delegation led by Alexandr Kozlov, minister of Natural Resources and Ecology who is chairman of the Russian side to the DPRK-Russia inter-governmental committee for cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology, and Alexandr Matsegora, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, and staff members of his embassy.

Present were Yun Jong Ho, minister of External Economic Relations who is chairman of the DPRK side to the DPRK-Russia inter-governmental committee for cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology, Kim Il Guk, minister of Physical Culture and Sports, Im Chon Il, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and officials concerned.

Speeches were made there.

Yun Jong Ho expressed thanks to the Russian friends for making positive efforts to implement the agreements reached at the historic meeting of the top leaders of the DPRK and Russia.

He expressed the stand of the DPRK government to promote the close contact and cooperation in relevant sectors in order to further strengthen the traditional ties of DPRK-Russia good neighborliness and cooperation, further revitalize the bilateral relations in all fields and develop them onto a new high stage.

Referring to the history and tradition of Russia-DPRK friendship, Alexandr Kozlov stressed that the DPRK, which is fighting shoulder to shoulder in the forefront against the dominationist forces, has extended full support to Russia over the regional and international issues.

Russia is desirous of developing the substantial cooperation in accordance with the agreements reached at the Russia-DPRK summit, he said, affirming that the 10th meeting of the Russia-DPRK inter-governmental committee for cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology would contribute to promoting the friendship between the two countries and the well-being of their peoples, thanks to the positive efforts of both sides.

The participants toasted the good health of Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation.

The reception proceeded in a comradely and warm atmosphere. -0-