Pyongyang, April 1 (KCNA) -- The Russian presidential orchestra led by lieut. Gen. Sergei Streigin, commander of the garrison of the Kremlin in Moscow, left here for home yesterday. The guests were seen off at the airport by general of the Korean People's Army Pak Jae Gyong, vice department director of the C.C., The Workers' Party of Korea Ji Jae Ryong and other officials concerned, Russian ambassador to the DPRK Andrei Karlov and embassy officials. The crowd sent off the members of the orchestra.
Pyongyang, March 31 (KCNA) -- The Russian presidential orchestra yesterday appreciated a performance of the merited choir of the Korean People's Army (KPA) at the Mansudae Art Theatre. Present on invitation were the members of the orchestra headed by lieutenant general Sergei Streigin, commander of the garrison of the Kremlin in Moscow, Andrei Karlov, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, and embassy officials. The performance was seen by Kim Kuk Thae, Kim Ki Nam, Kim Yong Sun, secretaries of the c.c., the Workers' Party of Korea, KPA general Pak Jae Gyong, leading officials of party and power organs, and the press, artistes and working people in the city. The choir sang Russian songs such as "Vast Land of Siberia" and "Just War," leaving deep impressions on the audience. Russian songs "Forward" and "Our friendship will be everlasting" were sung by the choir conducted by Russian people's artiste P.B. Obshannikov who is the chief conductor of the orchestra. The performance was acclaimed by the audience for its high ideological and artistic value.
Pyongyang, March 30 (KCNA) -- The Russian presidential orchestra led by lieutenant general Sergei Streigin, commander of the garrison of the Kremlin in Moscow, yesterday visited the International Friendship Exhibition. The guests went round the gifts to President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il from leaders of political parties and heads of state, prominent figures of political and public circles and people from all walks of life of many countries. In the hall where the wax figure of the president stands they made bows to him in humble reverence. On the same day the orchestra enjoyed a music and dance performance given by artistes of the DPRR at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre.
Pyongyang, March 28 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il yesterday met leading members and principal actors and actresses of the presidential orchestra of the Russian Federation including lieutenant general Sergei Streigin, commander of the garrison of the Kremlin in Moscow, on a visit to the DPRK, who is leading the orchestra on a visit to the DPRK. Present there were Jo Myong Rok, director of the general political department of the Korean People's Army, Kim Yong Chun, chief of the general staff of the KPA, and Choe Thae Bok and Jong Ha Chol, secretaries of the central committee of the WPK, and other officials and Andrei Karlov, Russian ambassador to the DPRK. The head of the orchestra courteously conveyed to Kim Jong Il a gift from Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and presented him with a gift in the name of the orchestra. Kim Jong Il expressed his thanks for this, warmly welcomed the orchestra's visit to the DPRK and had a warm and friendly talk with the guests. He had a photograph taken with the artistes of the orchestra that day.
Pyongyang, March 26 (KCNA) -- Russian artistes gave their premiere here yesterday delighting the Korean people. The visiting group of Russian artistes includes the presidential orchestra of the Russian Federation, the chorus of "the Kremlin, Moscow" museum and singers of the State Academy Grand Theatre. Leader Kim Jong Il invited them to visit Pyongyang. The presidential orchestra of the Russian Federation is well known to the Korean people for its successful performance given for Kim Jong Il during his visit to Russia in August last year. He was greatly satisfied to see the performance. The orchestra with a long history encouraged the Soviet army and people with revolutionary and militant music pieces to achieve victory in the patriotic war.
The orchestra is highly proud of participating in the concert given on the Red Square where a military parade was held to celebrate the victory in the war. The chorus of "the Kremlin, Moscow" museum is recognized as one of the best art organizations in Russia. Its main mission is to ensure state functions together with the presidential orchestra. Among the Russian artistes are many artistes well-known to the world. Colonel P. B. Obshankov, composer of the presidential orchestra of the Russian Federation, is its chief conductor and People's Actor of Russia.
Russian Merited Actress l. Rudakova, singer of the State Academy Grand Theatre, is a world famous singer. She was highly praised by Kim Jong Il for her successful presentation given for him last year. Among the art envoys of the Kremlin are many talented actors and actresses and artistes of world fame. When interviewed at the airport, lieutenant general Sergei Streigin, head of the orchestra and commander of the garrison of the Kremlin, said that they came to Pyongyang carrying with them the deep respect of the Russian President for Kim Jong Il. The orchestra would present the same numbers as were performed for Kim Jong Il in Moscow last year, he added.
Pyongyang, March 26 (KCNA) -- The visiting Russian presidential orchestra gave its premiere at the April 25 House of Culture yesterday. Enjoying the performance were vice marshal of the Korean People's Army Kim Il Chol, vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and minister of the People's Armed Forces, Jong Ha Chol, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, artistes and working people in the city.
Also among the audience were lieutenant general Sergei Streigin, commander of the garrison of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russian ambassador to the DPRK Andrei Karlov and staff members of the embassy. The performance raised its curtain with the playing of the national anthems of the DPRK and the Russian Federation. Russian artistes put on the stage solos, choruses and orchestras.
The performers vividly represented themes and content of songs with peculiar tone color and rich voice. Female soloist Pudakova sang well Korean song "It is socialist land of bliss" in Korean, delighting the audience. She was highly praised by leader Kim Jong Il for singing well at a performance given for him last year. Russian artistes represented in a peculiar manner the Russian people's warm love for their country, their traditional way of life and national emotion in choruses "Kalinka" and "Gloria" and other numbers.
Pyongyang, March 25 (KCNA) -- The National Defence Commission (NDC) of the DPRK hosted a reception for the Presidential orchestra of the Russian Federation on a visit to the DPRK at the People's Palace of Culture yesterday. Present on invitation were members of the orchestra led by lieutenant general Sergei Streigin, commander of the garrison of the Kremlin in Moscow, ambassador Andrei Karlov and staff members of the Russian embassy here.
Also present there were vice marshal of the Korean People's Army Kim Il Chol, vice-chairman of the NDC and the minister of the People's Armed Forces, officials concerned and artistes. At the reception KPA general Pak Jae Gyong said that the visit of many well-known Russian actors and actresses to the DPRK is a token of deep trust of President Putin and the Russian people in the Korean people. Excellent performances of the orchestra would encourage the struggle of the army and people of Korea, who have turned out in the building of a powerful nation, single-heartedly united around leader Kim Jong Il, and greatly contribute to boosting the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Russia, he said. He wished the Russian people greater success in their struggle to build powerful Russia under the leadership of Putin.
Sergei Streigin in his speech said that the visit of the orchestra is of a great symbolic significance as it is timed to coincide with the 53rd anniversary of the Russia-DPRK agreement on economic and cultural cooperation. Performances of the orchestra in Pyongyang would be a great event in cultural exchange between the two countries and helpful to the development of the bilateral friendly relations, he said. He said that the visit of the orchestra is a clear manifestation of the will of the supreme leaders of Russia and the DPRK to strengthen the bilateral friendship and cooperation in all fields.
Pyongyang, March 17 (KCNA) -- A gift was presented to leader Kim Jong Il by the Russian minister of Railway Transport on a visit to the DPRK. It was handed to premier of the DPRK cabinet Hong Song Nam by minister Nikolai Aksenenko on March 17.
Pyongyang, March 16 (KCNA) -- Russian ambassador to the DPRK Valery Denisov hosted a reception at the embassy yesterday on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the conclusion of the agreement on economic and cultural cooperation between the DPRK and the Russian Federation. Present on invitation were Kim Ryong Mun, vice-minister of foreign trade, and other officials concerned.
Speeches were made there.
Pyongyang, March 16, 2002 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the Russian Ministry of Railway Transport led by minister Nikolai Aksenenko arrived here today. The delegation was met at the airport by Kim Kwang Su, chief of staff of the Ministry of Railways, and Valery Denisov, ambassador of the Russian Federation to the DPRK.
The tradition of bilateral relations which experienced all sorts of trials is a guarantee for further developing the relations between the two countries on the principle of respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and international law, he noted, and went on: President of the Russian federation V. V. Putin recently visited the DPRK at the invitation of chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission Kim Jong Il. The meeting and talks that took place in Pyongyang in this course marked a landmark event in the history of Russia-Korea friendly relations. Both sides are now working hard to implement the agreements reached at the Russia-DPRK summit and the joint declaration signed by the heads of the two countries.
Russians here are witnessing the Korean people's devoted labour and achievements made by the DPRK government in the work to develop friendly and cooperative relations with all the countries of the world. The Russian people wish the Korean people success in their efforts to build a powerful nation. Russia reiterates its support to the north-south joint declaration and welcomes its implementation. DPRK Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun in his speech said the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 52 years ago was a historical occasion which paved a broad way for the development of the good neighborly relations between Korea and Russia.
He went on: The friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries are expanding and developing day by day after the publication of the DPRK-Russia joint declaration directly signed by chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission Kim Jong Il and Russian President Putin, who are supreme heads of the two countries, at the historic meeting and talks in last July. We are very pleased to see Korea-Russia relations steadily developing on good terms and believe that the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would grow stronger and develop in the new century.
Today the Russian people under the leadership of President Putin are making energetic endeavors to achieve social and economic stability and build powerful Russia and multipolar world, opposed to dominationism and highhanded practices in the international arena. The Korean people sincerely hope that the friendly Russian people will register fresh and greater .
Pyongyang, October 20 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a gift from a government delegation of the Russian Federation on a visit to the DPRK. The gift was conveyed to an official concerned by head of the delegation V. M. Filippov, Minister of Education who is chairman of the Russian side to the Russia-DPRK Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Committee.
Pyongyang, October 20 (KCNA) -- Premier Hong Song Nam of the DPRK cabinet met and conversed in a friendly atmosphere with the visiting Russian government delegation headed by V. M. Filippov, Minister of Education who is chairman of the Russian side to the Russia-DPRK Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Committee, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today. Present there were Kang Jong Mo, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Valery Denisov, Russian ambassador to the DPRK.
Pyongyang, October 19 (KCNA) -- The government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea gave a reception here yesterday for the government delegation of the Russian Federation on a visit to the DPRK. Invited to the reception were members of the delegation led by V.M. Filippov, Minister of Education who is chairman of the Russian side to the Russia-DPRK Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Committee, and Valery Denisov, Russian ambassador here. Present at the reception were Minister of Foreign Trade Kang Jong Mo and officials concerned. Speeches were made there.
Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- A Russian government delegation led by V.M. Filippov, Minister of Education who is the chairman of the russian side of the Russian-DPRK Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Committee, arrived here today by air to participate in the 3rd meeting of the committee for cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology between the governments of the DPRK and the Russian federation.
Alexander Timonin said in his speech that the historic events in August 1945 will always remain in the memory of the Russian and Korean peoples, adding that eternal friendship was forged between the peoples of the two countries in the arduous struggle against the common enemy. The joint declaration that V. V. Putin and Kim Jong Il, the respected leaders of the two countries, signed at the Pyongyang meeting and talks some time ago laid a reliable groundwork to further develop the Russia-DPRK relations in all fields, he said, and went on: Strengthening and developing cooperation between the Russian Federation and the DPRK on the basis of a new inter-state treaty signed in February meet the interests of the two peoples and will contribute to ensuring stability in northeast Asia and the rest of the world.
Speaking next, Minister of Foreign Trade Kang Jong Mo said that August 15 was a historic day of victory in which Korea's liberation was achieved through a national-liberation struggle of all the Korean people, mainly the anti-Japanese armed struggle commanded by the great leader Kim Il Sung. We have honored with homage the memory of the soldiers of the soviet army who fell in battles for Korea's liberation, he noted, adding this is an expression of the sense of moral obligation of the Korean people who set store by fraternal friendship with the Russian people.
Recalling that the long-standing DPRK-Russia friendship has entered into a new stage of development in accordance with the summit talks of the two countries and the spirit of the new inter-state treaty and the DPRK-Russia joint declaration signed some time ago, he stressed that further boosting the traditional DPRK-Russia relations is in full line with the aspiration of the two peoples and their fundamental interests. We will continue to make positive efforts to develop the DPRK-Russia relations of friendship on the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs and equality and mutual benefit.
Thousands of Pyongyangites turned out to the airport with flags of the two countries and bouquets in their hands. Seen on the flag poles were flags of the DPRK and Russia. When Kim Jong Il, together with V.V. Putin, came out to the airport amid the playing of the welcome music, a stormy cheer of "hurrah " burst forth. Putin's suite members also came out to the airport.
Present there were Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, Jo Myong Rok, first vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and director of the general political department of the Korean People's Army, and leading officials of party, armed forces and power institutions, commissions and ministries of the cabinet and national institutions and the DPRK Ambassador E.P. to Russia. Russian ambassador to the DPRK V.I. Denisov and embassy officials were on hand. A function took place at the airport to farewell V.V. Putin. The national anthem of the DPRK and the anthem of the Russian Federation were played. V.V. Putin, together with Kim Jong Il, reviewed a guard of honor of the three services of the KPA. He was presented with bunches of flowers by Korean children.
Kim Jong Il shook hands with V.V. Putin in farewell and warmly hugged him. The plane left Pyongyang airport at 10:15 a.m.
The airport and streets of Pyongyang were wrapped in a festive atmosphere welcoming the envoy of the Russian people and pervaded with the feelings of friendship of the two peoples of the DPRK and Russia. Thousands of Pyongyangites turned out to the airport with flags of the two countries and bouquets in their hands to greet the guests from Russia. Fluttering at the flag poles were flags of the two countries. Kim Jong Il came out to the airport.
On hand were Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Jo Myong Rok, director of the general political department of the Korean People's Army who is also first vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, Kim Yong Chun, chief of the general staff of the KPA who is also member of the DPRK National Defence Commission, Kim Il Chol, Minister of the People's Armed Forces who is also vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, Jon Pyong Ho, member of the DPRK National Defence Commission and secretary of the WPK Central Committee. Choe Thae Bok, chairman of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Choe Yong Rim, prosecutor-general of the Central Public Prosecutor's Office, Kim Kuk Thae and Kim Yong Sun who are secretaries of the WPK Central Committee, Paek Nam Sun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, leading officials of party, armed forces and power institutions, commissions and ministries of the cabinet, and national institutions, and Pak Ui Chun, DPRK Ambassador E. P. to Russia.
Russian ambassador to the DPRK V. I. Denisov and embassy officials were also on hand. When the plane carrying the goodwill envoy of the Russian people touched down at 3 p.m. The crowd enthusiastically welcomed the guests amid the playing of the welcome music, cheers of "hurrah " and shouts of "welcome to Putin".
Kim Jong Il firmly shook hands with V. V. Putin. Putin was accompanied by deputy prime minister I. I. Klebanov, Foreign Minister I. S. Ivanov, Defence Minister I. D. Sergeyev, first deputy director of the Presidential office D. A. Medvedev, deputy director of the presidential office S. E. Prukhodko, Minister of Education and chairman of the Russian side to the Russia-DPRK Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Committee V. M. Filippov, general director of the Federal Governmental Agency of Communications and Information Directly under the President V. G. Matyukhin, chief delegate of the President of the Russian Federation to the Far East District K. B. Pulikovski, Power Minister A. S. Gavrin, head of Administration in Maritime Territories E. I. Nazdratenko, member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Yu. M. Jong and other suite members.
A welcome function took place at the airport in honor of Putin. The anthem of the Russian Federation and the national anthem of the DPRK were played. V. V. Putin, together with Kim Jong Il and President Kim Yong Nam, reviewed a guard of honor of the three services of the KPA amid a 21-gun salute. Putin was presented with bunches of flowers by Korean children. Kim Jong Il and V. V. Putin waved to the enthusiastically cheering Pyongyangites.
Escorted by motorcycles, the limousine carrying President Kim Yong Nam and V. V. Putin headed for downtown Pyongyang. Hundreds of thousands of citizens from all walks of life warmly welcomed V. V. Putin and his entourage along the route extending over 16 kilometers.
Present on the Russian side were deputy prime minister I. I. Klebanov, Foreign Minister I. S. Ivanov, Defence Minister I. D. Sergeyev, first deputy director of the presidential office D. A. Medvedev, deputy director of the presidential office S. E. Prukhodko, Minister of Education V. M. Filippov, general director of the Federal Governmental Agency of Communications and Information Directly under the President V. G. Matyukhin, chief delegate of the President of the Russian Federation to the Far East District K. B. Pulikovski, head of Administration in Maritime Territories E. I. Nazdratenko, member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Yu. M. Jong and Russian Ambassador E.P. to Korea V. I. Denisov.
At the talks both sides informed each other of the situation in their countries, had an exhaustive and in-depth exchange of opinions on further expanding and developing the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations and a series of issues of mutual concern and reached a consensus of views on all the matters discussed. The talks proceeded in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
A guard of honor of the three services of the KPA lined up, looking up to President Kim Il Sung's statue. A floral basket was laid before it in the name of V. V. Putin. V. V. Putin paid respectful homage to the statue of Kim Il Sung. He entered the hall where President Kim Il Sung, who provided the historic roots of the DPRK-Russia friendship and performed immortal feats in consolidating and developing them, lies in state for perpetuity. He bowed to Kim Il Sung in profound reverence. He made an entry in the visitor's book.
Present on invitation at the banquet were deputy prime minister I. I. Klebanov, Foreign Minister I. S. Ivanov, Defence Minister I. D. Sergeyev and other suite members and Russian Ambassador E.P. to the DPRK V. I. Denisov and embassy officials.
Present there were Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Jo Myong Rok, director of the general political department of the KPA who is also first vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, and other leading officials of party, armed forces and power institutions, commissions and ministries of the cabinet, national institutions and press organs.
Paek Nam Sun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke at the banquet. Saying that he was very much pleased with the visit of respected V. V. Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to the DPRK Paek Nam Sun warmly welcomed the Russian guests upon the authorization of Kim Jong Il, Chairman of the DPRK NDC. This is the first official visit of the head of State of Russia to the DPRK in the history of the DPRK-Russia relations, he said, adding: An expression of the friendly feelings toward the Korean people, this visit is an indication that President Putin and the Russian government attach importance to the DPRK-Russia relations.
The sovereignty and dignity of the country have been defended, political stability has been achieved and work to achieve national prosperity has made brisk headway in Russia since Putin began leading state affairs as a whole, he noted, and continued: The Korean people are now making vigorous endeavors to successfully carry to completion the revolutionary cause of Juche started by the President Kim Il Sung and reunify the country under the unique army-first revolutionary leadership of the great leader Kim Jong Il. Strengthening and developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Russia not only conforms with the common desire and fundamental interests of the two peoples but also constitutes an important contribution to ensuring peace and security in Asia and the rest of the world.
The DPRK government and people greatly treasure the friendship with Russia and will in the future, too, make positive efforts to expand and develop these relations in the spirit of the new treaty. He expressed the conviction that brief as Putin's current visit is, it would mark an important occasion in further developing the bonds of the DPRK-Russia friendship towards the 21st century.
Then, Russian Foreign Minister I.S. Ivanov made a speech. He expressed thanks for the warm welcome, kindness and hospitality accorded to them upon the authorization of the Russian President. He said people's wisdom is always more correct than a political view and Russia considers the desire of the people for friendship and cooperation as a basis. President Kim Il Sung, the founder of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, based himself on this stand, he said, and went on: The cooperative relations of good-neighborliness and mutual benefit with the DPRK constitute a basic component of Russia's Asia-Pacific policy. We consider these relations to be an important factor of stability. Russia and the DPRK have an identical position of supporting the compliance with the anti-ballistic missile treaty, a bedrock of strategic stability. The two countries unanimously denounce any form of international terrorism.
Describing the inter-Korean summit held in Pyongyang last June as a manifestation of good faith and sincere will of the Korean nation to shape its destiny by its own effort, Ivanov said: Russia, calling for the relaxation of the political and military confrontation, considers it necessary to strengthen confidence-building measures and ensure lasting stability in the Korean peninsula. The Russian and the Korean people have rich experience in cooperation accumulated for scores of years, but their potentials, including economic cooperation, have not been utilized to the full, he noted, and said: Exchange in science, culture and education should be normal and beneficial. In conclusion he expressed the belief that the Russia-DPRK summit meeting would inject fresh vitality into the Russia-DPRK cooperation.
The banquet proceeded in a cordial atmosphere overflowing with feelings of friendship. A performance of the KPA merited chorus was given there.
Present there on the Korean side were Lieut. General of the Korean People's Army Pak Sung Won, vice-Minister of Power and Coal Industries O Kwang Hong, vice-Minister of Fisheries Kim Kyu Rak and officials concerned, and on the Russian side were Col. General V.N. Meleshko, Col. General L.G. Ivashov, advisor to the president A.N. Illarionov, head of Administration in Maritime Territories E.I. Nazdratenko and others. The talks proceeded in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
Present there on the DPRK side were Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Jo Myong Rok, first vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and director of the general political department of the Korean People's Army, Kim Yong Chun, member of the DPRK National Defence Commission and chief of the general staff of the KPA, Kim Il Chol, vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and Minister of the People's Armed Forces, Jon Pyong Ho, member of the DPRK National Defence Commission and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Kim Yong Sun, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Kim Yang Gon, department director of the WPK Central Committee, and Paek Nam Sun, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Present on the Russian side were deputy prime minister I. I. Klebanov, Foreign Minister I. S. Ivanov, Defence Minister I. D. Sergeyev, first deputy director of the presidential office D. A. Medvedev, deputy director of the presidential office S. E. Prukhodko, Minister of Education V. M. Filippov, general director of the Federal Governmental Agency of Communications and Information Directly under the President V. G. Matyukhin, chief delegate of the President of the Russian Federation to the Far East District K. B. Pulikovski, head of Administration in Maritime Territories E. I. Nazdratenko, member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Yu. M. Jong and Russian Ambassador E. P. to the DPRK V. I. Denisov. The DPRK-Russia joint declaration was signed by Kim Jong Il and V. V. Putin.
Chosun Ilbo reported that, according to the Russian public
relations office Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to visit the
DPRK in the near future and meet with the DPRK leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang.
The statement added that Putin was formally invited by Kim and that the visit
will be the first Pyongyang trip made by Russia's top leader. Although the
statement did not give a specific date for Putin's visit, Russia's Itar-Tass
news agency reported that it will be between July 10-20. According to an
unnamed source, the visit may most likely be
made on July 19, taking Putin's schedule for other foreign trips into
consideration. The source explained that July 19 was most convenient since
Putin is to visit the PRC on July 18 and participate in the G8 Summit on July 21
in Okinawa, Japan. Putin has also been invited by the ROK and he has
promised to visit Korea some time within this year. (Hwang
Seong-jun, "RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN TO VISIT NK," Moscow, 06/09/00)
Joongang Ilbo reported that, according to a ROK spokesman, a representative team of Russia and the DPRK congressmen representing a goodwill association composed of lawmakers from the two countries will visit the ROK on June 14. The delegation will be led by Alexei Ponomalyov, who is a member of the Russia's Parliament Duma. The spokesman said, "Five congressmen, from Russia and North Korea, representing the goodwill association, will visit Seoul for five days beginning June 14. They will share their opinions on things like the visit of the President Vladimir Putin to North Korea in the middle of July." The team will also meet with ROK National Assembly Speaker Lee Man-sup, acting ROK Prime Minister Lee Han-dong, ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lee Jung-bin, and ROK Unification Minister Park Jae-kyu to discuss the results of the inter-Korean summit meeting as well as congressional exchanges between the three countries. (Lee Chul-hee, "RUSSIA-N.K. GOODWILL ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES WILL VISIT SEOUL," Seoul, 06/11/00)
The new treaty signed between the DPRK and Russia, which provides a political and legal guarantee for the development of the relations between the two countries, will contribute to further strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Russia and ensuring peace and security in northeast Asia and the rest of the world, he noted, and continued: The Russian government and people have made energetic efforts to resolutely reject all forms of interference and pressure by foreign forces, achieve the politico-economic and social stability of the country and build a powerful state. We sincerely hope that everything will go well in Russia, our neighbor. It is our belief that the friendship between the DPRK and Russia with long-standing historical roots will grow stronger and develop in the letter and spirit of the newly concluded treaty in the future, too.
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said in his speech he was of the view that the talks held this time made it possible to deepen the mutual understanding and open a new page for the development of the relations between the two countries. He continued: Russia sincerely hopes that peace and prosperity will be achieved on the Korean peninsula. It also hopes that national reunification, the desire of the Korean people, will be achieved, and it is willing to give all assistance to this end. I think that our common task is to use the potential for the benefit of the two peoples on the basis of the rich experience accumulated in scores of years. Noting that it is necessary for the two peoples to develop exchange in the fields of science, culture and education, he said that Russia is ready to abide by the spirit of the newly concluded treaty.
Paek Nam Sun, Foreign Minister of the DPRK, said in his speech that Ivanov's visit was short but marked a significant occasion in newly developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. He hoped that the new treaty would be implemented correctly and sincerely by joint efforts of the two sides for more sound and viable development of the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation. We will strive to further expand and develop these relations in different fields on the principles of independence, equality and non-interference in internal affairs, paek concluded.
Present there were Ri In Gyu, vice-Foreign Minister, and Valery Denisov, Russian ambassador to the DPRK. The Russian Foreign Minister said that during the visit the two sides exchanged views on the relations between the two countries and international issues of mutual concern and this was very useful. Noting that Russia and the DPRK has a history of long-standing friendly relations, he expressed his belief that the relations between the two countries would develop in the letter and spirit of the newly concluded treaty. Russia is willing to cooperate in the work to hasten the process of reunification in conformity with the interests of the Korean people and the security on the Korean peninsula, he said.
As visitors to Pyongyang from various countries are unsparing in their praises, the west-sea barrage which was built in five years is a product of the Korean people's self-reliance and a great monumental edifice that can be constructed only in the country where the leader, the party and masses are united single-heartedly.
The DPRK launched a satellite despite several years of national disaster and the blockade of the imperialist allied forces, thus demonstrating its spirit and might. This clearly showed the DPRK's power and the might of the single-heartedly united people.
All the people are struggling with the conviction that if they are firmly rallied around the great Kim Jong Il, it is quite possible to build a powerful nation in the near future. This is the source of strength of the Korean people advancing full of faith and optimism even under the difficult conditions.
The Korean people are now performing exploits as pacesetters of the times at important posts of the socialist construction under the care of Kim Jong Il. I was deeply moved to see young Koreans building the Pyongyang-Nampho motorway. In the DPRK where the trait of living and struggling like heroes is prevailing in the whole society, the people are forging ahead for a great victory with faith and optimism about future, albeit they are hard pressed for everything.
I would like to confidently say that all the Korean people are the heroes and heroines and one should come to this great country, if he wishes to see this spirit and might of Korea, he urged.
Pyongyang, November 18 (KCNA) -- A film show and a cocktail party were held at the Russian embassy here yesterday. Invited there were vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Ri In Gyu, officials concerned and mediamen in the city. Present were Russian ambassador Valery Denisov and members of the embassy. They saw a documentary film dealing with the situation of north Caucasus of Russia. Then followed a cocktail party.
South Korean newspapers reported that, according to an ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade official, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov is scheduled to visit the DPRK next Monday. The official said that Ivanov is expected to stay in the DPRK for three days during which he is expected to conclude a new treaty aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in political, economic and other fields with DPRK Foreign Minister Paek Nam-soon.
According to the official, the new pact would replace the 1961 military treaty between the two countries, which had called for the former Soviet Union's military intervention in a war involving the DPRK. The official stated, "The signing of the new treaty means that Russia and North Korea are restoring their friendly relations." However, an anonymous diplomatic observer stated, "It is difficult for the two countries to make substantive progress in their relations anytime soon, given the economic difficulties facing them. Unlike China and the United States, Russia has no economic 'carrots' to give to the North." Ivanov is scheduled to meet Kim Yong-nam, chairman of the DPRK Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. It is also expected that Ivanov will discuss the two countries' joint stance against US Theatre Missile Defence (TMD). The Korea Herald (Shin Yong-bae, "RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER'S VISIT TO N.K. SEEN TO HELP RESTORE TIES," Seoul, 11/02/99) Korea Times ("IVANOV TO CONVEY SEOUL'S SUNSHINE' MESSAGE TO NK," Seoul, 10/31/99)
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov is expected to visit the DPRK November 8-11 to sign a new cooperation treaty that emphasizes trade but excludes a military alliance. An anonymous ROK official said that Foreign Minister Ivanov and his DPRK counterpart, Paik Nam-sun, are also expected to discuss US plans to build an anti-missile defence system in Northeast Asia. Associated Press ("RUSSIA, N. KOREA TO REVISE TREATY", Seoul, 10/31/99)
Russian ambassador to the DPRK Valery Denisov on Tuesday hosted a reception at the embassy on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK
and the Russian Federation. Invited to the reception were vice Foreign Minister
Ri In Gyu, vice-chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with
Foreign Countries Ri Song Ho who is also the chairman of the Korea-Russia
Friendship Association, and officials concerned. Speeches were exchanged at the reception.
Pyongyang, October 13 (KCNA)
A friendly meeting with the members of the delegation of the Russian Kareliya-DPRK Friendship Association staying here was held on Monday at Korea-Russia Friendship Pyongyang Moranbong Senior Middle School no. 1.Invited to the meeting were the members of the delegation of the association headed by its chairman Victor Olin. Present there were officials concerned, teachers and students of the school. The participants looked round its educational facilities and saw an art performance given by schoolchildren. Pyongyang, October 12 (KCNA)
An agreement on the scientific cooperation was signed on Sept. 10 between the DPRK National Academy of Sciences and the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences. President Ri Kwang Ho and President B. E. Paton on behalf of their academies signed the agreement. Pyongyang, October 12 (KCNA)
The secretariat of the Council of the Union of Communist Parties -- the Communist Party of the Soviet Union made public a statement on Oct. 4 demanding withdrawal of the U.S. troops from South Korea. The statement said the occupation of South Korea by the U.S. forces for 54 years is the main obstacle to Korea's reunification. Escalating the tension in East Asia and the rest of the world, this is aimed to realize the U.S. strategy for the world domination, it noted, and went on: "Let us enter the 21st century without war and military threat--this is just the desire and hope of the peaceloving people. We demand the U.S. stop demonstration of its 'strength' on the Korean peninsula and let the Korean people shape their destinies by themselves.There can be no other way for it." Pyongyang, October 12 (KCNA)
A friendly meeting with the members of the delegation of the Russian Kareliya-DPRK Friendship Association staying here was held on Monday at Korea-Russia Friendship Pyongyang Moranbong Senior Middle School no. 1. Invited to the meeting were the members of the delegation of the association headed by its chairman Victor Olin. Present there were officials concerned, teachers and students of the school. The participants looked round its educational facilities and saw an art performance given by schoolchildren. Pyongyang, October 12 (KCNA)
A joint statement of the Worker's Party of Korea and the Belarussian Communist Party was released here on Tuesday. V. Chikin, first secretary of the central committee of the Belarussian Communist Party, and his companions visited Korea from September 21 to October 5 at an invitation of the WPK Central Committee.
In the period talks were held between a secretary of the WPK Central
Committee and the first secretary of the Belarussian party central committee. Both sides at the talks informed each other of the situation of their countries and of the situation and activities of their parties and discussed matters of common concern such as resolutely defending and advancing the cause of
socialism and further developing the friendly and cooperative relations between
the two parties. The identity of views on the issues discussed was noted with
satisfaction.
The WPK highly praised the Belarussian Communist Party for adhering to the
socialist principles and developing itself into an influential mass party deeply
rooted among broad working people, and sincerely wished it greater success in
its future activities. The Belarussian Communist Party extended heartfelt congratulations to the
worker's party and people of Korea who have been smashing the persistent
anti-DPRK, anti-socialist moves of the imperialists and demonstrating the dignity
and stamina of Kim Il Sung's nation under the outstanding high-priority army
policy of the great Kim Jong Il. And it expressed the belief that the entire party,
army and all the people of Korea would surely build a powerful socialist nation
in the near future, rallied close around him.
Stressing the need to more dynamically advance the cause of socialism under
the banner of the Pyongyang Declaration, the statement said:
"The two sides held that all the progressive forces around the world including
communist and worker's parties should form an anti-imperialist united front on a
regional and international scale against the blatant strong-arm action and
highhandedness of the imperialists and work hard to build an independent, new
world." Pyongyang, October 7 (KCNA)
Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, met V. Chikin, first secretary of the central committee of the Belarussian Communist Party, at the
Mansudae Assembly Hall today.
The first secretary said that signal successes have been made in Korea under
the wise leadership of the great Marshal Kim Jong Il, and expressed the belief
that the Korean people will certainly build a powerful socialist nation in the near
future. He noted the DPRK shows how the world's communists should build future.
Noting that everything is going well in Korea because it upholds Kim Jong Il
as its leader, he stressed that the Korean people are a proud people blessed with
the great leader. Pyongyang, October 4 (KCNA)