Pyongyang:Russia's newly appointed ambassador to North Korea, Andrey Podelyshev, has officially commenced his duties by submitting a copy of his credentials to the North Korean foreign ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Podelyshev presented the copy to Kim Myong-jin, head of the ministry's Second Protocol Department. The Russian Embassy in Pyongyang reported that their discussion was amicable, with both parties expressing a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

In accordance with diplomatic protocol, ambassadors begin their roles by submitting their letters of credence to the foreign ministry, which is followed by a formal presentation ceremony with the head of state. Podelyshev arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday and paid respects at the Liberation Tower, a monument honoring Soviet troops who died during the Korean War, and visited a memorial commemorating North Korean soldiers who fought against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region.

Appointed in July, Podelyshev succeeds Alexander Matsegora, who passed away suddenly in Pyongyang last December. Additionally, a Russian delegation led by Vyacheslav Nikolayevich Fatin has arrived in Pyongyang. This visit is part of an exchange program involving field trips, discussions on mutual interests, and meetings with North Korean foreign ministry officials.

The embassy also noted the arrival of a science and higher education delegation attending the second North Korea-Russia University President Forum.