ANKARA

North Korea and Russia discussed ways to deepen their cooperation in culture and the arts, state media reported Monday.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova in Pyongyang on Sunday, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

It took place at the headquarters of the ruling party's Central Committee and was also attended by Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexandr Matsegora.

The meeting came days after Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang on his second trip in less than two weeks.

Lyubimova arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday while leading a delegation to mark the first anniversary of the countries' comprehensive strategic partnership treaty.

During the meeting, Kim hailed the "broad and in-depth" exchanges and cooperation seen across various sectors since the treaty's signing, saying they have made tangible contributions to the mutual development and well-being of the people of the two countries.

Lyubimova said her visit came at a time when the "solidity and invincibility" of North Korea and Russia’s friendship and solidarity are being demonstrated more clearly than ever and bilateral cultural cooperation has reached its "highest level ever."

The two also discussed future plans for bilateral cooperation and exchanges in the cultural sector and watched performances by visiting Russian art troupes and North Korean artists, the news agency added.

The two sides also signed an agreement on cultural cooperation between their culture ministries.

North Korea and Russia have deepened bilateral cooperation across various fields ranging from the military to culture since the signing of the mutual defense treaty in June 2024 in Pyongyang.