Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has met with DPRK leader Kim Jong Il, near Russia's eastern Siberian city of Ulan Ude. Wednesday's discussions focused on energy cooperation, and the possible resumption of six-party de-nuclearization talks.

DPRK leader meets Russian President for discuss energy cooperation

The two leaders met at a military base in Sosnovy Bor village, some 50 kilometers from Ulan-Ude, capital of Buryatia republic.

Kim Jong-Il, DPRK leader said, "I'm very grateful. You have flown so far to meet me."

Dmitry Medvedev, Russian President said, "It is all within Russia. Moreover, when it comes to meeting our partners and neighbors, it's not that far. I hope you've had an eventful trip and have managed to see at least some of what you'd planned".

According to a Kremlin source, the agenda covered stronger political dialogue, and the expansion of humanitarian contacts.

But the international focus will be on the de-nuclearization issue, and the stalled six party talks.

Following the meeting, a Russian presidential spokesperson said the DPRK had signaled that it's ready to impose a moratorium on nuclear missile testing.

And Kim Jong Il is reported to have said the DPRK is ready to resume six-party talks "without preconditions."

On energy cooperation, the two leaders are said to have moved forward on a proposed project to ship natural gas to South Korea, through a pipeline that crosses the DPRK.

It's Kim's third visit to the country, following visits in 2001 and 2002. He arrived in Russia's Far East on Saturday, on board a specially chartered train, and will now head back to the DPRK.

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