In the message Ri said he was rejoiced over the fact that the bonds of DPRK-Russia friendship and cooperation forged in the struggle against the common enemies have been steadily strengthened.

The message expressed belief that the bilateral relations would develop onto a higher stage in the interests of the two peoples this year, the year of DPRK-Russia friendship.

Meanwhile, Ri Su Yong received a message of greeting from Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov on Saturday.