Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the Chinese capital Beijing as part of talks aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, Kim affirmed his readiness to assist Russia “as much as possible,” describing it as his duty as a brother, noting that relations between North Korea and Russia are developing in all fields.

Putin praised the participation of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces, stating that “the North Korean army contributed to the liberation of the city of Kursk during the war,” adding that relations between the two countries are friendly and that he was pleased to meet Kim Jong Un.

This meeting comes at a time when the region is witnessing political and economic shifts, with Russia and North Korea seeking to strengthen military and diplomatic ties amid ongoing international pressure on both countries due to various nuclear and economic issues.