Putin, Kim vow to strengthen bilateral ties at first meeting

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01:08

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), are holding their first-ever face-to-face talks at Far East Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia. Here are what we know so far.

Updated at 17:35 BJT

Putin said he's happy with the outcome of first ever Putin-Kim summit and praised Kim Jong Un as an "open and engaging" person.

Speaking at a sole press conference after wrapping up the summit, Putin said he and Kim Jong Un had discussed a range of issues including bilateral ties, denuclearization, sanctions as well as DPRK's relation with the U.S.

On the hot issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Putin said the key is to return to international law to resolve issues and guarantee DPRK's sovereignty.

Putin also noted that parties including Russia, DPRK, and the U.S. want denuclearization but more efforts need to be made.

"Respect each other, this can be done," Putin said, adding that there's no other way than having dialogues.

Russian President attends a press conference after concluding the first summit with the DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in the far eastern city of Vladivostok, Russia April 25, 2019. /AP screenshot

Updated at 16:35 BJT

Putin called for efforts to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula and a peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue along with the all parties, as he and Kim Jong Un attended a reception together.

"With the efforts of the international community, we will be able to achieve our goals and achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula," Putin said.

Kim noted both the DPRK and Russia have a common position on regional peace and security and vowed to further deepen the friendships between the two peoples.

"The DPRK and the Russian people are very close. I hope my visit to Russia will help deepen our friendship and add new meanings to it," Kim said.

Both leaders also said in the toasts that they have conducted fruitful meetings and exchanged views on other topics that were on international agenda.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un attend an official reception following their talks in Vladivostok, Russia April 25, 2019./ Reuters Photo

Updated at 14:10 BJT

Putin said he had held substantial talks with Kim.

The two leaders have discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and exchanged views on how to improve the situation.

Updated at 13:00 BJT

Kim told Putin that he was looking to develop his country's traditional ties with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) speaks with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un at Far East Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia, April 25, 2019. /Reuters Photo‍

"I think it will be a very useful meeting in developing the relationship between the two countries, who have a long friendship and history, into a more stable and sound one," Kim said as the talks began.

"As the world is focused on the Korean Peninsula, I think we will hold a very meaningful dialogue," Kim said.

Updated at 12:20 BJT

Putin and Kim met Thursday for the start of their first-ever talks.

Putin welcomed Kim's efforts to normalize U.S.-DPRK relations.

The Russian president also said there are lots of things to do to develop trade ties between the two countries.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin walks with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un at the Far Eastern Federal University campus at Russky Island in the far eastern city of Vladivostok, Russia April 25, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Updated at 12:13 BJT

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a welcome ceremony for the visiting Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Vladivostok, a Far Eastern city in Russia, on Thursday.

He arrived in the city at 18:00 local time (0800 GMT) on Wednesday.

During his visit, Kim is set to hold his first ever summit with Putin since he became the top leader of the DPRK in late 2011.

The two leaders were supposed to discuss bilateral relations and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Click here for more live updates on the Putin-Kim meeting from CGTN.

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