Pyongyang, July 29 (KCNA) -- A Pyongyang-Moscow direct line was resumed amid the daily-growing many-sided visit and contact between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation.

The first plane which left Moscow arrived at Pyongyang International Airport on July 28.

It entered the stopping place before a terminal of the airport after passing through arch-shape spray.

There took place a ceremony of congratulating the resumption of the operation of the direct line.

Present at the ceremony 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, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Aviation Administration, officials concerned and employees of the airport.

On hand there were 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 his party, Aleksandr Matsegora, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, members of his embassy and crews of the Russian plane.

DPRK flight attendants warmly welcomed the Russian crews, presenting bouquets to them.

Congratulatory speeches were made at the ceremony.

Noting that he regards it as the great honor to take part in the ceremony of marking the resumption of the operation of the Moscow-Pyongyang direct line, Alexandr Kozlov said that cooperation between the two countries has been boosted in the transport sector.

Saying that Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, and Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, concluded the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and thus provided a firm foundation for developing the friendship between Russia and the DPRK, he stressed that the people of the two countries feel the development of the bilateral relations of friendship.

Warmly welcoming the Russian missions who visit the DPRK with the first flight for the resumption of the Moscow-Pyongyang direct line as an opportunity, Yun Jong Ho said this serves as another clear demonstration of the bilateral relations of friendship which are developing rapidly.

He expressed expectation and conviction that true to the noble intention of the top leaders of the DPRK and Russia, wonderful successes substantially conducive to promoting the wellbeing of the people of the two countries would be registered in the economic cooperation between the DPRK and Russia in the future, too. -0-