PYONGYANG, October 13. /TASS/. Russian Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov thanked North Korea for helping liberate the Kursk Region from Ukrainian armed formations during a meeting with North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the assistance that Korean soldiers and officers provided to Russia in liberating part of the Kursk Region," he said.

Kurenkov laid flowers at the Liberation Monument and the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations in Pyongyang. He also toured the museum’s exhibition honoring the courage of North Korean servicemen who participated in liberating the Kursk Region and clearing it of mines.

The minister left a message in the museum’s distinguished visitors’ book. "On behalf of the Russian Emergencies Ministry and myself, we bow in respect to the heroes of the Korean People’s Army and will forever honor their memory! Thank you for your courage and brotherly assistance. May friendship between Russia and North Korea grow stronger, and may peace and security ensure the well-being of our peoples," he wrote.