Russian Defense Minister Belousov holds talks with N. Korean leader Kim in Pyongyang

PYONGYANG. April 27 (Interfax) - Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov had talks with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Sunday to discuss the state and prospects of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

"[The Russian Defense Ministry] and the Defense Ministry of the DPRK agreed to switch military cooperation to the lasting long-term basis. We are ready to sign a plan for Russian-Korean military interaction for 2027-2032 this year," Belousov said during the talks.

The Russian defense minister said that it was a great honor for him to meet with the North Korean leader, thanking Kim for the traditionally warm welcome given to the Russian delegation in Pyongyang.

Russian-North Korean relations are at an unprecedentedly high level, he said. "This year promises to be no less intense when it comes to bilateral contacts on a whole range of tracks," he said.

The Russian Defense Ministry highly values Kim's decision to invite the Russian military delegation to the opening ceremony of the Museum and Memorial Complex for Combat Feats of Korean Servicemen during the Foreign Military Operation, he said. "It is a great privilege and honor for us to take part in his historical event," Belousov said.