Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday for the brave fight of North Korean soldiers against Ukrainian forces, Reuters reported.
"On your initiative, as is well known, your special forces took part in the liberation of the Kursk region. Your soldiers fought bravely and heroically," Putin said at a meeting in China.
North Korean troops helped Russia push Ukrainian forces out of the western Russian region of Kursk earlier this year.
"I would like to emphasize that we will never forget the sacrifices that your armed forces, as well as the families of your soldiers, made," Putin said.
"On behalf of the Russian people, I would like to thank you for your participation in the common struggle. Please convey my warmest words of gratitude to all the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," he added.
Kim Jong Un told Putin that cooperation between the two countries has grown significantly since they signed a partnership agreement in June 2024 and that he is ready to do everything he can to help Russia.
Kim was speaking at a bilateral meeting with Putin in Beijing, held as part of celebrations marking the anniversary of Japan's formal surrender in World War II.
Putin, according to a recording released by the Kremlin, invited Kim to visit Russia after holding talks with him in Beijing, Reuters reports.
"See you soon," Kim said through an interpreter, hugging Putin goodbye after talks that lasted two and a half hours.
"We are waiting for you, come visit us," Putin replied.
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