On October 20, 2025, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Ivan Melnikov received a parliamentary delegation from the DPRK headed by Chairman of the DPRK-Russia parliamentary friendship group of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Ri Chol.

The parties commended the current state of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the DPRK, emphasizing the key role of the two countries’ leaders – Russian President Vladimir Putin and DPRK Chairman Kim Jong-un – in it. They expressed confidence in its continued progressive development.

Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of intensifying inter-parliamentary interaction, which is an integral part of the entire range of bilateral cooperation.

Ivan Melnikov spoke about the work to establish a high-level working group between the State Duma and the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK: “We are in the final stages of reaching agreements on establishing a high-level working group between our parliaments.” He also noted that the State Duma is ready to host relevant committees and commissions of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK.

“We are prepared to continue to actively develop the strategic direction of state policy between our countries in the interests of our peoples,” Melnikov emphasized, expressing sincere gratitude to the leadership and people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for the heroic participation of North Korean military personnel in liberating the Kursk region from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The meeting was attended by the DPRK’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation, Sin Hong Chol, and member of the DPRK-Russia parliamentary friendship group of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, Choi Sok Chol.

From the Russian side: First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, Coordinator of the State Duma Friendship Group with the DPRK Kazbek Taysayev and Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade, member of the State Duma Friendship Group with the DPRK Alexander Spiridonov.