Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has met with Russia's Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova in Pyongyang to discuss avenues for enhancing collaboration in the realms of culture and the arts, as reported by North Korea's state media. The meeting, held at the headquarters of the ruling party's Central Committee on Sunday, also saw the presence of Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexandr Matsegora, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lyubimova led a delegation from the culture ministry to Pyongyang, arriving on Saturday at the invitation of North Korea's culture ministry to commemorate the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between the two nations. During the discussions, Kim Jong-un expressed appreciation for the extensive exchanges and cooperation facilitated by the treaty, emphasizing their contributions to the mutual development and well-being of both peoples.
Kim highlighted the significant role that cultural and artistic exchanges play in fortifying the public mindsets and friendship between the two countries. He underscored the necessity of further expanding cultural cooperation to appreciate each other's cultural traditions more deeply. Kim also noted that Lyubimova's visit, accompanied by Russian art troupes, was a valuable occasion to enhance the North Korean people's understanding of Russian culture.
Lyubimova remarked on the strengthened friendship and solidarity between North Korea and Russia, noting that cultural cooperation had reached unprecedented levels. The meeting included discussions on future plans for bilateral cultural exchanges, and both parties attended performances by Russian art troupes and North Korean artists.
Photos from the KCNA revealed a backdrop featuring North Korean forces on the Russian side in the Ukraine conflict during the performances, with the forces holding the national flags of both nations. Kim's daughter, Ju-ae, was present at the meeting, marking her second appearance at a major diplomatic event.
Additionally, North Korea's Culture Minister Sung Jong-gyu met with Lyubimova at the Mansudae Assembly Hall, where they explored ways to deepen cultural cooperation. An agreement on cultural cooperation, effective from 2025-27, was also signed during this meeting.
These meetings occur amid strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow across various domains, including culture and military, following the mutual defense treaty signed on June 19, 2024, in Pyongyang.