Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with visiting North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.

Putin told Choe in their meeting at the Kremlin on Monday -- a national holiday in Russia -- that it is a great tradition to meet a person on a holiday.

Choe replied that it is a great honor to convey to Putin a warm, sincere message from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The meeting is seen as an attempt by Putin to showcase his country's deepening ties with North Korea. The two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June, which called for mutual military assistance if either country is in a state of war.