SEOUL, July 20 (UPI) — Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for its military support in the war against Ukraine and vowed to strengthen bilateral ties during a meeting with visiting Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, Russian state media reported Sunday.

Putin made the remarks during a meeting with Choe at the Kremlin, according to Russia’s TASS news agency.

“Once again, I would like to express gratitude for the support for our special military operation, for the decision to send soldiers of the Korean People’s Army to take part in the liberation of the Kursk Region,” Putin said.

North Korea has deepened military ties with Russia since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Pyongyang has shipped thousands of containers of munitions and deployed about 15,000 troops to assist Russian forces in the Kursk region, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has said, estimating that roughly 2,000 of those troops have been killed.

In April, North Korea held a ceremony unveiling a memorial honoring troops dispatched to fight for Russia in Ukraine, with leader Kim Jong Un pledging continued support for Moscow in its “sacred war.”

Choe’s visit was not tied to a major anniversary or political event, prompting speculation among analysts that it could be laying the groundwork for a visit to Russia by Kim.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry declined to speculate on whether Kim could visit Russia.

“Nothing has been made public yet, so we will continue to monitor the situation closely,” ministry spokesman Yoon Min-ho said during a regular press briefing Monday.

Putin said relations between Russia and North Korea were “developing in all areas” and asked Choe to convey his greetings to Kim.

“Please convey my greetings and best wishes to Comrade Kim Jong Un,” Putin said. “I highly value the mutual understanding on all issues and friendly relations between us.”

Choe reaffirmed North Korea’s support for Russia’s war effort, TASS said.

“The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will continue to steadfastly support all Russia’s efforts, both now and in the future, aimed at defending the country’s sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity, and at addressing the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine,” she said, using North Korea’s official name.

The visit comes as North Korea has also stepped up diplomacy with China, its longtime ally and principal economic partner.

Beijing’s top political adviser, Wang Huning, traveled to North Korea last week to hold talks with Kim and participate in events marking the 65th anniversary of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.

It was the latest in a string of high-level exchanges between the two countries, including a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to North Korea last month.

Kim last visited Russia in September 2023, when he met Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the country’s Far East and toured military and industrial facilities.