Putin calls for deeper ties between Russia, NK

Deeper relations between Russia and North Korea are conducive to boosting regional security and stability, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday, a day after he met with a special envoy from North Korea.

"The further deepening of political ties and trade-economic co-operation undoubtedly serves the interests of the peoples in both countries and ensuring regional security and stability," Putin was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying.

Putin spoke after receiving credentials from the North's new ambassador to Russia, Kim Hyung-joon, it said.

The presentation of credentials came a day after Putin met with Choe Ryong-hae, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, who was sent to Moscow in his capacity as special envoy of the North's leader, Kim Jong-un.

The Russian president's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, told Itar-Tass that Choe delivered a message from Kim, but did not elaborate.

Choe is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday, according to Lavrov's office.

Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency quoted Putin as telling Choe that it is important to actively study ways to improve mutually beneficial cooperation, a sentiment Choe echoed. (Yonhap)