Russia praises DPRK president’s statement on continuity of policy in relations with Russia - Lavrov

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Moscow praises North Korean President Kim Jong-un’s statement on the continuity of policy in relations with Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday. “We hope that your visit will be fruitful,” Lavrov said opening talks with his North Korean counterpart Lee Su-yong. “We hope to discuss our relations, the political dialogue, parliamentary, trade and economic cooperation. We hope to consider the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the Asia Pacific Region,” he said. The signing of a plan for inter-ministerial exchanges for the period of 2015-2016 will facilitate fruitful contacts between the foreign ministries of both countries, Lavrov said. “We’ve been maintaining friendly relations for decades. We have many joint plans in different fields,” he said. “We praise the implementation of the agreements reached in Ulan Ude in August 2011,” Lavrov said. Lee Su-yong expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit Russia. “Our relationship is long-standing and it is bound by blood,” he said. “We have ancient traditions. Our countries have always maintained cooperation and supported each other,” he added. “I’m glad that I have a chance to discuss bilateral relations with you, including the political dialogue, cooperation on the international arena and economic interaction. I’m sure that the talks will be successful and constructive,” Lee Su-yong said. He expressed hope that his meetings with representatives of different Russian regions would make a real contribution to the development of relations. Read related news on itar-tass.com