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Putin confirms he invites Kim Jong-un to visit Russia

According to Putin, a separate meeting was possible, as well as a meeting on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un KRT via AP Video

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

© KRT via AP Video

MOSCOW, June 14. /TASS/. President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea Kim Yong-nam handed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting in Moscow, while Putin confirmed his invitation to Kim Jong-un to visit Russia in any way convenient for him.

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Lavrov invites Kim Jong-un to visit Russia

According to Putin, a separate meeting was possible, as well as a meeting on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

"I would like to confirm and ask you to convey our invitation to the leader of North Korea, Comrade Kim Jong-un, to make a visit to Russia," Putin said, addressing Kim Yong-nam. "It could be done on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September. It could also be arranged as a separate meeting," Putin said, adding that details should be coordinated with the Foreign Ministry.

The Russian leader thanked the senior North Korean official for coming to Russia and noted that the year 2018 marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "We have always sought to resolve all the Korean Peninsula issues," Putin stressed. "We definitely welcome contacts between the North Korean leader and the South Korean president," he added.

Trump-Kim talks

Putin also praised the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

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Kremlin: Trump-Kim summit proves there is no alternative to finding political solution

"We highly appreciate the meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Trump, which was held most recently, on June 12," Putin said, noting that the meeting was the first step towards fully resolving the issue, which was made thanks to the two leaders’ goodwill. "It creates conditions for moving forward and reduces the level of tensions around the Korean Peninsula," Putin said. In his view, the meeting also reduced the prospect of a large-scale military conflict in the region.

"It was raising concerns across the world and could have very serious consequences, up to a large-scale military conflict," Putin said. "Thanks to the meeting, this unfortunate option was taken down and new prospects for settling all issues through peaceful and diplomatic means have emerged," he noted.

According to Putin, Russia has always called for resolving the situation diplomatically. "We are ready to continue working to that end and take the necessary steps together with you in order to build relations and economic cooperation," Putin said.

Kim Jong-un’s message to Putin

Kim Yong-nam handed a personal message from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over to the Russian president. "I have the honor to convey sincere greetings to you from the Chairman Comrade Kim Jong-un," he said, addressing Putin.

Kim Yong-nam congratulated Putin on his re-election and said that he had warm memories of his past visits to Russia.

The senior North Korean official was hopeful that the FIFA World Cup would "add to Russia’s glory across the world" and facilitate the development of physical education and sports.

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Vladimir Putin Kim Jong Un

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