From July 19 to 20, Juche 89 (2000) Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, paid his first visit to the DPRK as the head of state of Russia at the invitation of leader Kim Jong Il, chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.

At a meeting and summit the top leaders of the two countries exchanged their views on the issue of developing the DPRK-Russia friendship and a series of international issues and reached a consensus of views on them. This resulted in the adoption of the DPRK-Russia joint declaration.

Rodong Sinmun Sunday says in an article:

The above-said declaration confirmed the fact that the further development of the close cooperation between the DPRK and Russia is in line with the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries and trend towards building a multi-polar world and establishing a new international order on the principle of equality, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The declaration serves as a solid cornerstone for developing the relations between the two countries, undeterred by any complicated international environment as it is a historic document guaranteeing the steady development of the DPRK-Russia friendly and cooperative relations in the 21st century.

It, at the same time, serves as an engine for ensuring the sound development of the international relations and, furthermore, guaranteeing peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world.

The DPRK-Russia friendly ties have steadily grown stronger since the publication of the historic declaration.

The visit of the special envoy of supreme leader Kim Jong Un, first chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, to Russia last year marked an important occasion in boosting the bilateral relations on a fresh stage.

It is the DPRK's consistent stand to boost the DPRK-Russia friendly and cooperative relations

These ties are growing stronger day by day.