ANKARA

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to "unconditionally" support Russia in all areas, including in its war in Ukraine, state media reported Thursday.

Kim reiterated his country's support during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday in Pyongyang, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

He also vowed to responsibly observe the articles of a mutual defense treaty signed by the two countries, according to KCNA.

He was referring to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed by him and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June last year in Pyongyang.

During the talks, both sides confirmed the consensus of their stance on the Ukraine situation and pledged to develop ties into the "powerful and comprehensive relations of a strategic partnership."

Russia's news agency TASS reported Wednesday that the two also discussed prospects for rebuilding the Kursk front-line region and specific steps to "commemorate the memory of North Korean soldiers' feat."

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, citing unnamed experts, speculated that they may have discussed the outlook for inter-Korean relations and issues on the Korean Peninsula, with the meeting also coming on the inauguration day of newly-elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

*Writing by Aamir Latif