Leading newspapers today in signed articles dedicated to the anniversary say that Russia has steadily followed the path of progress despite turns and twists of history and has taken up a new appearance in the world today.

Expressing the belief of the Korean people that Russia's efforts to defend the dignity and security of the country and build a powerful state would certainly bear fruits, Rodong Sinmun goes on:

The DPRK and Russia are neighbors and their friendship has long-standing history and tradition.

Since the opening of diplomatic ties between the DPRK and Russia 60 years ago the bilateral relations of friendship have steadily developed in line with the desire and interests of the two peoples. In this course, the two peoples have deepened friendship and mutual understanding.

In particular, a series of meetings between General Secretary Kim Jong Il and former President Putin and the adoption of the DPRK-Russia Joint Declaration and the DPRK-Russia Moscow Declaration in the new century marked very important occasions in putting the traditional DPRK-Russia friendly and cooperative relations on a new high stage.

It is the common desire and wishes of the two peoples to steadily boost the DPRK-Russia friendship. The recent successful ground-breaking ceremony for the reconstruction of Rajin-Khasan Railways and Rajin Port is a manifestation of such desire and wishes.

The history of DPRK-Russia friendship will go on in the future, too.

Minju Joson notes that the Korean people are pleased with the successes made by Russia in its efforts to build a powerful state and ensure the security of the country.