PYONGYANG, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday expressed its wish to maintain traditional ties with Russia when marking the 68th anniversary of the conclusion of an economic and cultural cooperation agreement between the two countries.
The daily Rodong Sinmun (Labor News) said that the conclusion of the agreement between the DPRK and the former Soviet Union on March 17, 1949 was the first of its kind concluded between the DPRK and Russia to provide a legal base for developing mutually beneficial cooperation and exchanges.
"Since the historic day the two countries have steadily developed the cooperation and exchanges in various fields including economy and culture and deepened the bonds of friendship for the last 68 years," the daily said.
In the 21st century, several meetings were held between DPRK late leader Kim Jong Il and Russian President Vladimir Putin and historic joint documents were adopted in that course, it said.
"As a result, a new prospect was opened for carrying forward the long-standing tradition for cooperation and further developing it," it said.
The official daily said that to value and develop the bilateral friendly ties "is beneficial for ensuring development and stability of the two countries and peace and security in Northeast Asia."
The daily Minju Joson (Democratic Korea) also stresses that when the DPRK and Russia value the tradition of the friendly relations, support and steadily cooperate with each other, and consolidate the friendly relations, they will achieve great successes in their struggle for building powerful countries and in the work for ensuring peace and stability in the region and the rest of the world.
A Russian government delegation have also visited the DPRK to mark the anniversary of the ties between the two countries this week.
