Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has met with Russia's Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova in Pyongyang to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation in culture and the arts, as reported by the North's state media on Monday. The meeting, which took place on Sunday at the headquarters of the ruling party's Central Committee, was also attended by Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexandr Matsegora.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lyubimova led a culture ministry delegation that arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday at the invitation of North Korea's culture ministry to mark the first anniversary of the countries' comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. During the meeting, Kim Jong-un expressed appreciation for the exchanges and cooperation seen across various sectors since the treaty's signing, noting their contributions to the mutual development and well-being of both countries' peoples.
Kim emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening the foundation of public mindsets and consolidating ties of friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries. He highlighted Lyubimova's visit, accompanied by Russian art troupes, as an opportunity to broaden North Korean understanding of Russian culture, expressing belief in the visit's potential to enhance comradeship and friendship.
The Russian culture minister remarked that her visit occurred at a time when the North Korea-Russia friendship and solidarity are being demonstrated clearly, and bilateral cultural cooperation has reached a high level. Discussions also covered future plans for cultural cooperation and exchanges, and performances by Russian art troupes and North Korean artists were held.
Photos released by the KCNA showed North Korean forces depicted on the Russian side in the war against Ukraine as the stage's backdrop during performances. Another image showed forces waving North Korean and Russian flags while North Korean artists performed. Kim's daughter, Ju-ae, was present, alongside Kim during the meeting with Lyubimova.
Additionally, North Korea's Culture Minister Sung Jong-gyu met with Lyubimova at the Mansudae Assembly Hall to discuss ways to deepen cultural cooperation. They signed an agreement on cultural cooperation between the two countries, effective from 2025-27. These meetings underscore the deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields, following the mutual defense treaty signed on June 19, 2024, in Pyongyang.