Russia, N.Korea take relationship to qualitatively new level of alliance - Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW. Oct 27 (Interfax) - The talks held between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui will lend a further impetus to the development and strengthening of Moscow-Pyongyang relations, a statement on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

"The results of the talks will spur development and boost the traditionally friendly Russian-Korean relations, which have reached a qualitatively new level of alliance," the statement said.

"The ministers reaffirmed the two countries' strong commitment to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by their leaders after the Pyongyang summit," it said.

"During a discussion of the international situation [the ministers] expressed a shared understanding of aggressive actions by the United States and allies being the main cause of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in northeast Asia," it said.

"The Russian side expressed total support for the measures being taken by the North Korean leadership to protect the country's sovereignty and national security," the statement said.

"The conversation involved a substantive exchange of views on pressing matters concerning the bilateral relations, including in practical areas," it said.