Pyongyang, August 26 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il's recent historic visit to Siberia and the Far East Region of Russia was recorded as a brilliant chapter in the annals of the DPRK-Russia friendship, says Rodong Sinmun in a bylined article Friday.

The friendly relations between the DPRK and Russia have a long history and tradition, it says, adding:

During the anti-Japanese armed struggle President Kim Il Sung fully supported the Soviet people's cause of justice under the slogan "Let Us Defend the Soviet Union with Arms!", thus strengthening the militant ties with them.

Leader Kim Jong Il sets store by the DPRK-Russia friendship and shows deep care for development of the bilateral relations. His energetic external activities were recorded brilliantly in the history of the DPRK-Russia friendship and they greatly contributed to boosting this traditional friendship and ensuring peace and security in Asia and the rest of the world.

In recent years the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation have developed in depth in various fields in conformity with the spirit of the agreements reached between the two countries.

This development confirms to the desire and interests of the peoples of the two countries and it is helpful to ensuring peace and security in Asia and the rest of the world.

The Korean people appreciate the efforts made by the Russian government and people to achieve the social progress and defend the security and interests of the country, heartily hoping that everything would go well in Russia.

The DPRK and Russia make joint efforts for peace and security of the Asia-Pacific region including Northeast Asia and fair solution to the international issues.

The DPRK-Russia friendly and cooperative relations will grow stronger day by day by the concerted efforts of the two governments and peoples.