Video: Putin and Kim Jong Un Raise a Toast

Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised a toast to strengthen the friendship between the Russian Federation and North Korea, quoting proverbs from both countries that emphasize the importance of friendship.

“There is a saying in Korea: ‘New clothes are good, but old friends are better.’ And among our people, we say: ‘An old friend is better than two new ones,’” the Russian leader addressed the Chairman of State Affairs of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, during an official dinner held in his honor. According to Putin, “this popular wisdom is fully applicable to modern relations between countries.”

“I would like to propose a toast to further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between our countries, the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, to the well-being and prosperity of our peoples, to the health of the presidents, and to all those present,” the Russian president suggested.