(MENAFN) North Korea and Russia have agreed to bolster their collaboration in the cultural and artistic realms, according to state media reports on Monday.

The accord was reached during a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova in Pyongyang on Sunday, as reported by a news agency

The talks took place at the headquarters of North Korea’s ruling party, the Central Committee, and were attended by Russian Ambassador to North Korea, Alexandr Matsegora.

This discussion followed closely on the heels of a visit by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu to Pyongyang, marking his second trip to the country in less than two weeks.

Lyubimova had arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday, leading a delegation to commemorate the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between the two nations.

During their meeting, Kim Jong Un praised the "broad and in-depth" exchanges and cooperation between the two countries since the treaty’s signing, emphasizing their significant contributions to mutual development and the welfare of both peoples.

Lyubimova noted that her visit took place at a time when the "solidity and invincibility" of the North Korean-Russian friendship and solidarity is more apparent than ever, adding that bilateral cultural cooperation has reached its "highest level ever."

The two leaders also discussed future plans for collaboration in the cultural sector, while attending performances by Russian art troupes and North Korean artists.

Additionally, both sides signed a cultural cooperation agreement between their respective ministries of culture, according to the news agency.

Since the signing of the mutual defense treaty in June 2024 in Pyongyang, North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened their bilateral ties, expanding cooperation in fields ranging from military to cultural sectors.

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