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, acting under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty that obliges Moscow and Pyongyang to come to each other’s defense in case of aggression. The North Korean contingent assisted the Russian military in repelling a large-scale Ukrainian incursion into the border region. DPRK service members have also participated in subsequent mine-clearing activities in the area.

Receiving Choe on Sunday, Putin hailed the high level of bilateral relations between the two countries, as quoted by the Kremlin press office. He also stated that the valor and heroism that North Korean soldiers displayed in Kursk Region will never be forgotten in Russia.

Putin also extended heartfelt greetings to DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.

The North Korean diplomat, in turn, reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to the strategic partnership with Moscow.

Kim previously likewise 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.

In April, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov traveled to North Korea, where he awarded troops who participated in the liberation of Kursk Region with Russia’s Order of Courage.

He described the DPRK service members as the “true heroes of our time, the elite of the Korean armed forces, their pride and their tower of strength.”

During the visit, Belousov also met with Kim, discussing steps to further deepen the defense partnership between Russia and North Korea on “a sustainable, long-term basis.”

The Russian minister stated at the time that Moscow was willing to sign a Russian-Korean Military Cooperation Plan for 2027-2031.