Moscow: The chief of Russia's parliamentary lower house expressed that Moscow will always remember the contributions of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region during World War II. This statement was made during his visit to Pyongyang for the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese rule, a Russian news report disclosed.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Vyacheslav Volodin, the chief of the Duma, conveyed these sentiments in a meeting with Choe Ryong-hae, the chairman of North Korea's parliamentary standing committee. The meeting was reported by the Russian news agency Ria Novosti. Volodin acknowledged the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers, stating, "Your soldiers came to help and sacrificed themselves to liberate the Kursk region. This is a noble deed. We will never forget it."
The visit by Volodin and his parliamentary delegation is aligned with the 80th anniversary of the Korean Peninsula's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, which is observed on Friday. North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency had previously announced the visit, highlighting the shared history and continued relationship between North Korea and Russia. Volodin described the anniversary as "our common celebration," emphasizing the enduring ties between the two nations.
The historical context of the visit dates back to August 1945, when Soviet troops advanced into northern Korean Peninsula regions, aiding in the conclusion of 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. On this anniversary, North Korea often emphasizes its relationship with Russia, acknowledging Moscow's role in its liberation.