Speeches were made at the reception.

DPRK Ambassador to Russia Kim Yong Jae said that the relations between the DPRK and Russia are favorably developing in various fields, expressing belief that the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations would be put on a new higher stage on the basis of the spirit of the joint documents agreed upon between the top leaders of the two countries and the treaties signed between the two countries and in line with the agreement on economic and cultural cooperation between the DPRK and Russia.

He stressed that the DPRK would make every possible effort for the peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of Northeast Asia.

A roving ambassador of the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the agreement on economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries signed 61 years ago is a document of great significance in the development of the bilateral relations, adding that there is potential strong enough to boost the friendly and cooperative relations between Russia and the DPRK as they have a long history and tradition.

The bilateral relations have briskly developed in recent years as evidenced by the mutual visits of high-ranking delegations and the implementation of a series of economic cooperation projects between the two countries, he said, expressing belief that this year would witness more substantial successes.

Receptions were given by the DPRK missions in Nakhodka and Khabarovsk of Russia on Mar. 12 and 17.