Russia’s new top envoy to North Korea presented his credentials to DPRK authorities on Monday, according to the diplomatic mission, marking the formal start of his posting following his arrival in the country on Saturday.

Ambassador Andrei Podelyshev presented “copies of his credentials” to Kim Myong Jin, head of the DPRK Foreign Ministry’s Second Protocol Department, the Russian Embassy announced on social media.

“The two sides exchanged good wishes and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening relations between the two countries,” the embassy added. “The meeting took place in a traditionally friendly atmosphere.”

Podelyshev arrivedin North Korea with his