Relations between Russia and North Korea are entering a new period of prosperity, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un announced, starting his talks with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. "The relations between our countries are entering a new period of high prosperity, which cannot even be compared with the period of Korean-Soviet relations of the last century," the North Korean leader said. He expressed confidence that the "fiery friendship between the two countries" will be strengthened during Putin's visit. The leader of North Korea warmly welcomed his guest at the beginning of the negotiations. He noted that the current visit of Putin confirms the quality of Russian-North Korean relations, which have entered the period of highest development. According to him, this visit is a historical moment and has the most important strategic significance throughout the history of relations between Russia and North Korea. Also, Kim Jong Un drew attention to how the ordinary residents of North Korean capital Pyongyang welcomed the head of the Russian state. "I think that the enthusiasm that our people have shown you once again confirms the true level of our relations," the North Korean leader said, addressing the Russian president.