Pyongyang, June 30 (KCNA) -- The peoples of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation are meaningfully commemorating as a common auspicious event the first anniversary of the historic DPRK-Russia Pyongyang summit, which put the traditional relations between the two countries on the most excellent level, and the conclusion of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation.

Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met on June 29 Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, who is visiting the DPRK on the occasion of the first anniversary of the conclusion of the new treaty between the DPRK and Russia, leading a delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, at the headquarters building of the Party Central Committee.

Kim Jong Un warmly welcomed the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation on its visit to Pyongyang, and had a warm and friendly talk with the Russian minister.

At the talk, the head of the Russian delegation expressed her sincere greetings to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un for paying close attention to the delegation’s visit to Pyongyang though he is very busy.

Appreciating that extensive and profound exchanges and cooperation in all fields are further expanding and developing day by day after the conclusion of the new treaty between the DPRK and Russia, Kim Jong Un said that this is rendering substantial contributions to the co-prosperity, development and the promotion of the wellbeing of the two countries and two peoples.

He stressed that all fields of state and social life are important but exchanges in the field of culture and art in particular have a great influence on strengthening the foundations of the public sentiments of the two countries and firmly consolidating the ties of friendship, fellowship, mutual understanding and sympathy between their peoples.

He said that from this point of view, it is important for the cultural sector to lead the relations between the two countries. To this end, it is necessary to further expand the exchanges and cooperation in the field of culture and art to know and learn more about each other’s excellent cultural traditions, he added.

Olga Lyubimova expressed her impression of visiting beautiful Pyongyang at a time when the solidity and invincibility of the DPRK-Russia friendship and solidarity are being more clearly proved and the cooperation between the two countries in the cultural field has reached the highest level in history and of meeting the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, and of her delight to hold significant artistic and cultural events together with the friends of the fraternal neighbour.

Saying that the current Pyongyang visit by the minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, personally leading art troupes in significant June, is an important occasion for the Korean people to have a deeper understanding of the excellent culture of the Russian people, Kim Jong Un expressed belief that the visit would further enhance the militant comradeship and feelings of friendship between the two countries.

During the talk, he exchanged views on the prospective plans for cultural exchanges and cooperation.

The talk proceeded in a warm atmosphere of friendship.

Guided by the Russian minister of Culture, Kim Jong Un saw the photos of grand monuments, famous architectural structures and beautiful natural scenery of Russia and landscapes of its major cities displayed at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre.

That day he, together with the Russian minister of Culture, enjoyed a performance given by the Russian artistes on a visit to Pyongyang and a return performance given by the Korean artistes.

Among the audience were senior Party and government officials, officials concerned, and officials, creative workers and artistes in the field of culture and art.

The delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and staff members of the Russian embassy in Pyongyang enjoyed the performances.

The Russian artistes put on the stage colourful numbers portraying the Russian people’s ardent love for their country and their righteous, strong and optimistic national character.

The famous Russian songs and folk dances reflecting the unique traditional culture, customs and long history left a deep impression on the audience.

The Korean folk song Arirang and other songs of the DPRK were played to the beautiful and elegant tunes, giving pleasure to the audience.

Kim Jong Un had a flower basket presented to the Russian artistes in congratulation of their singing of the daily-blooming DPRK-Russia friendship with their characteristic and passionate performance.

Then the Korean artistes gave a return performance, through which they sang the high praises of the ennobling ideological feelings and patriotism of the peoples of the two countries, who are confidently carving out the future while overcoming all sorts of challenges of history.

The performance was enthusiastically acclaimed by the audience as it furthered the conviction that the strong desire and stamina to build prosperous and powerful states without fail and the militant ties of friendship that have been forged at the cost of blood and genuine internationalist obligation between the peoples and armies of the two countries, which are shining in the annals of the DPRK-Russia friendship, will last forever along with the history of victory.

The performances fully demonstrated the appearances of the prestigious art troupes by truthfully portraying the fraternal fellowship and friendly ties between the peoples of the two countries through high artistic skills and elegant representation, leaving a deep impression on the audience.

Saying goodbye to the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, Kim Jong Un asked Minister Olga Lyubimova to convey his best regards to the esteemed Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, and all the Russian people. -0-