North Korean embassy in Moscow marks national day

The North Korean embassy in Moscow has marked the 59th anniversary of the founding of the nation with an evening of speeches and music. Over 200 guests, including Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov, attended Monday evening’s event. North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visited Russia’s Siberia and Far East last month’s for talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Ambassador Kim Yen-ja said that now was a pivotal moment for bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea and he hoped to take cooperation to a new level. Guests at the event were entertained with music, dancing and traditional Korean food.