What Did North Korea's Kim Jong-un Discuss with Russian Culture Minister?

Seoul, June 30 (NationPress) The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, recently engaged in discussions with Russia's Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova in Pyongyang, focusing on strategies to enhance collaboration in the realms of culture and the arts, as reported by the North’s state media on Monday.

The meeting took place on Sunday at the ruling party’s Central Committee headquarters and included Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexandr Matsegora, according to Yonhap, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Lyubimova, leading a delegation from the culture ministry, arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday at the invitation of North Korea's culture ministry, coinciding with the first anniversary of the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership treaty.

During their discussions, Kim acknowledged the extensive and profound exchanges and cooperation that have occurred across various sectors since the treaty's inception, which have significantly contributed to the mutual advancement and welfare of the peoples of both nations, as stated by the KCNA.

He emphasized that cultural and artistic exchanges are crucial for reinforcing the public mindsets of both nations and solidifying the bonds of friendship, comradeship, and mutual understanding among their peoples.

Kim noted, “It is essential for the cultural sector to guide relations between the two countries.” He added the need to broaden cultural and artistic exchanges to appreciate one another's rich traditions and learn from each other.

The North Korean leader particularly underscored Lyubimova's visit, along with Russian art troupes, as a vital opportunity to enhance the North Korean populace's understanding of Russian culture, expressing his belief that this visit would further elevate the comradeship and friendship between the two nations.

Lyubimova remarked that her visit occurs at a time when the “solidity and invincibility” of the North Korea-Russia relationship is becoming increasingly evident, asserting that bilateral cultural cooperation has reached unprecedented heights, as reported by the KCNA.

They also explored future plans for cultural cooperation and exchanges, enjoying performances by visiting Russian art troupes and North Korean artists, the news agency noted.

Images released by the KCNA depicted North Korean forces engaged on the Russian side in the conflict against Ukraine as a backdrop for the performances, while another image showcased forces waving the North Korean and Russian flags as North Korean artists performed.

Kim's daughter, known as Ju-ae, was observed alongside him during the meeting with Lyubimova, marking her second appearance at a significant diplomatic event after attending a function at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang in May.

Separately, North Korea’s Culture Minister Sung Jong-gyu met with Lyubimova the day prior at the Mansudae Assembly Hall, where they delved into strategies to deepen cultural cooperation and exchanges, according to the KCNA.

They also formalized an agreement on cultural cooperation, which will be effective from 2025 to 2027.

These discussions come as Pyongyang and Moscow continue to strengthen their bilateral cooperation across various domains, including culture and military, following the mutual defense treaty signed on June 19, 2024, in Pyongyang.