Russia's top envoy to North Korea has touted Pyongyang's troop deployment as a demonstration of the two countries' partnership during a reception marking the 80th anniversary of Moscow's World War II victory over Nazi Germany, the North's state media said Friday.
Russian Ambassador Alexandr Matsegora made the remarks during a reception marking the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day, held the previous day at a hotel in Pyongyang, the Korean Central News Agency said.
"The operations for liberating the Kursk area proved that the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are a comprehensive strategic partnership and allies," the KCNA quoted Matsegora as saying in his speech at the event.
Recalling Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent message thanking North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the troop deployment, the ambassador also noted that cities, villages and squares reclaimed by Russia will be named after "North Korean heroes" and monuments honoring them will be erected.
Last month, both Russia and North Korea officially confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia's front line of Kursk, about half a year after South Korea's spy agency reported in October that around 12,000 North Korea soldiers had been sent to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.
In a separate speech during the event, North Korea's Defense Minister No Kwang-chol described the war as a "great patriotic victory," claiming that it safeguarded Russia's dignity and honor and saved mankind from the fate of downfall.
No expressed confidence that Russia would secure another victory this year, pledging that the North Korean military would offer unwavering support for the Russian military's efforts to protect its sovereignty, security and territory.
Several high-ranking North Korean officials also attended the banquet, including Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, along with a Belarusian government delegation visiting the country for discussion on economic cooperation. (Yonhap)
