2011-08-25 09:16

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev (R) shakes hands with DPRK leader Kim Jong-il during a meeting at the "Sosnovyi Bor" military garrison in Siberia's Buryatia region August 24, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

PYONGYANG - Kim Jong-il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has pledged to boost friendly and cooperative relations with Russia, the official news agency KCNA reported on Thursday.

Kim, who is visiting Russia at the invitation of President Dmitry Medvedev, made the remarks during a state banquet hosted in his honor at the Presidential Guest House in Ulan-Ude City on Wednesday. He said DPRK will "make every effort to boost the traditional DPRK-Russia friendly and cooperative relations."

To further develop DPRK-Russia friendship entirely conforms with the interests of the two peoples and is of great significance in safeguarding peace and stability in Northeast Asia, Kim added.

In a speech at the banquet, Medvedev said the good neighborly relations between the two countries have a solid foundation and great potential. And further bilateral cooperation will bring benefits to both sides.

Russia will play its role in seeking political and economic solutions to turn the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia into regions with durable peace and security, said the Russian president, adding "it is our common task to put an end to the confrontation between the north and the south that has lasted for more than half a century."

Kim Jong-il left Pyongyang on August 20 for a state visit to Russia. He visited Russia previously in July 2001 and August 2002.