Leading NKorean newspapers for developing relations with Russia

PYONGYANG, March 17 (Itar-Tass) - Leading North Korean newspapers
favour on Thursday further development of relations with Russia on the
occasion of the 62nd anniversary of signing the bilateral treaty on
economic and cultural cooperation.
The government newspaper Minju Joson notes that "the two countries
took measures in the interests of their peoples to develop friendly
relations, consolidating cooperation in various spheres".
The newspaper calls "epoch-making events" the visits by Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang as the Russian president in 2000 and by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il to Russia in 2000 and 2001 as well as the signing by their results of joint declarations that "turned a new chapter in the history of relations between the two countries".
Minju Joson reports successes of Russian people in strengthening
national unity and economic development. The newspaper stresses that
Korean people are sure that "these efforts by Russians will bring positive results".
The leading party newspaper Rodong Sinmun notes that "relations of friendship and cooperation are consolidating with every passing year" thanks to the governments and peoples of the two countries.
Deputy Minister for the Protection of National Territory and
Environment Kim Sung Hak said that this document "laid down the most
important basis for further gradual consolidation of relations between the two states". "Our cooperation now develops quite successfully in many areas," he noted.