The Russian presidency, the Kremlin, announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un on Wednesday in Beijing, where they are attending celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat and the end of World War II.

The Kremlin stated that Putin thanked Kim for North Korea’s deployment of forces to support Russia in its war with Ukraine and affirmed that the two countries stand together “against the modern new Nazism.”

According to Sputnik, Putin said in his meeting with Kim Jong Un: “Recently, the relations between our countries have gained a special character of trust, friendliness, and allied personality.”

Putin confirmed that the Democratic People’s Army fought heroically in the Kursk region, noting that North Korean special forces participated in liberating Kursk in full compliance with the agreement between the two countries.

He added: “I would like to point out that we will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your soldiers. On behalf of the Russian people, I want to thank you for your participation in the joint battle against the modern new Nazism,” according to the Russian news site Sputnik. The Russian president asked Kim Jong Un to convey his warmest gratitude to the entire people of the Democratic Korea.

For his part, Kim Jong Un confirmed that “if there is anything we can do to help Russia, we will certainly do it and consider it a fraternal duty.”

He pointed out that relations between Moscow and Pyongyang are developing in all aspects after the treaty signed between the countries in June 2024.

After a reception celebrating the 80th anniversary of the military victory over Japan and the end of World War II, Putin and Kim Jong Un took the same car to go to the talks, according to the Kremlin.