The Russian foreign minister and his party visited the DPRK on April 23 and 24 as part of exchanges for significantly marking this year in which falls the 60th anniversary of the conclusion of agreement on economic and cultural cooperation between the DPRK and Russia under the agreement reached between the two ministries toward the end of last year.

During his visit the Russian foreign minister paid a courtesy call on the president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly and had talks with the DPRK foreign minister.

The talks and meetings dealt with the matters on boosting the traditional, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, and agreement was reached there.

Also discussed at the talks was the prevailing situation after the release of the UN Security Council's "presidential statement" critical of the DPRK's satellite launch for peaceful purposes.

Both sides recognized that satellite launch is a sovereign right of each country.

The Russian side reconfirmed its stand on the UN sanctions against the DPRK and paid attention to the DPRK's stand that there is no need to hold the six-party talks any longer.