North Korea called for stronger bilateral relations with Russia on Saturday, in light of the 14th anniversary of the friendship pact signed between the two countries in 2000.
The North's Rodong Sinmun, which acts as a mouthpiece for the ruling Workers' Party, said a new era had opened for relations between North Korea and Russia and that the North Korean people would work toward developing relations in line with the pact.
Pyongyang also said its ties with Moscow were being closely watched by the North's leader, Kim Jong-un.
The pact was signed by former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the North on July 19, 2000 after a summit meeting, vowing to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
One day before the anniversary, an opening ceremony was held for the third pier in the North Korean port city of Rajin, which was jointly constructed by the two countries.
 "Facebook")
