Russia, North Korea declare 'year of friendship'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 11 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia, North Korea declare 'year of friendship', 11 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9d5232.html [accessed 4 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 11, 2015
Russia and North Korea have declared 2015 a "year of friendship."
The Russian Foreign Ministry said on March 11 it agreed to start a program of cultural exchanges with the regime in Pyongyang aimed at taking ties between the once Cold War allies to a "new high level."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to Moscow to take part in commemorations on May 9 marking the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat.
It would be Kim's first trip abroad since taking over following the death of his father, Kim Jong-Il, in 2011.
The events come as Moscow is facing growing international isolation over its actions in Ukraine.
The UN imposed sanctions on North Korea after it conducted a third underground nuclear test in 2013, as well as a series of subsequent missile launches.
Based on reporting by AFP and telegraph.co.uk
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
