North Korea says its foreign minister and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed close ties between their countries during their latest meeting in Moscow.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui visited Russia from Sunday through Wednesday and met with Putin on Tuesday.

The North's state-run television reported the details of their talks late on Wednesday.

The broadcaster said Choe delivered a "warm greeting" from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Putin, who reportedly responded with a New Year's greeting for Kim.

The report said Putin and Choe reaffirmed their position that the two countries seek to open up a new heyday of their "traditional" friendly relations.

Kim has invited Putin to North Korea, but the broadcaster did not comment on whether the Russian leader will visit the North.

Choe also held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. They reportedly discussed strengthening bilateral strategic cooperation in economy, culture and other fields and agreed to act together in a proactive manner to address the situations in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.

Choe was seen leaving a hotel in Moscow around noon on Wednesday. Multiple blue bags bearing the logo of Russia's defense ministry were also seen being pushed on a trolley in the hotel lobby.

Observers say the bags may have been handed by the Russian side to North Korea's delegation.