Kim says had 'very meaningful' talks with Russia's Putin

Says he is looking to develop his country's traditional ties with Russia

VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Thursday he had "very meaningful" talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the two met for the first time.

"We have just had a very meaningful exchange of views on issues of mutual interest," Kim said after nearly two hours of one-on-one talks.

Kim also said he was looking to develop his country's traditional ties with Russia.



"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 in Russia's Far East.

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

Putin told the North Korean leader that he supports ongoing efforts to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and wants to boost economic ties.

Pompeo expects North Korea diplomacy to be 'bumpy'

"I am confident that your visit today to Russia ... will help us to better understand how we can resolve the situation on the Korean peninsula and what Russia can do to support the positive processes that are currently taking place," Putin said as the two began their first-ever talks in Russia's Far East.

"In terms of bilateral relations, we have a lot to do to develop economic relations," Putin added.