Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday, the North Korean state news agency KCNA reported.
According the agency, Vladimir Putin also expressed confidence that Moscow and Pyongyang will jointly "ensure further expansion of bilateral dialogue and constructive cooperation in various fields."
"This fully meets the interests of the peoples of our two countries, strengthens stability and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia as a whole," the telegram said.
On Sunday, North Korea will hold a large military parade in Pyongyang commemorating the 70th anniversary of the country's founding.
Russia will be represented by Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko. During a meeting with Kim Jong-un on Saturday, she conveyed to him a personal message from President Putin.
The North Korean leader confirmed his decision to visit the Russian Federation.
READ MORE: Putin Ready to Meet Kim in Near Future, Discuss Trilateral Projects — Reports
Vladimir Putin earlier said that Russia was ready to take steps to establish economic contacts with North Korea.
On June 4, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov handed over an invitation to Kim Jong-un to visit Russia, possibly the Eastern Economic Forum on September 11-13.
Later in June, President Vladimir Putin confirmed the invitation had been made.