South Korean President Moon Jae-in held talks in Moscow on Friday with President Vladimir Putin on bolstering bilateral economic ties.
Putin invited Moon to an economic forum in Vladivostok in September, confirming his plans to host the leaders of both Koreas in Russia.
"We would be happy to see you as an honorary guest" at the Vladivostok forum which starts on September 11, Putin told Moon during a press conference after their talks.
The Russian leader has also invited North Korea's Kim Jong Un to the event, as well as the leaders of China and Japan. So far, only Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has confirmed his attendance.
Putin emphasized that South Korea is one of Russia's top partners in the region and voiced hope that their two-way trade will expand.
He hailed contacts between the two Koreas and the US-North Korean summit.
"We hope that it would help significantly reduce tensions around the Korean Peninsula and create conditions for creating conditions for forming a stable security for all countries in the region," Putin said.
He vowed that Moscow also would try to help settle problems concerning North Korea.
Following the talks, South Korean and Russian officials signed agreements on cooperation in various economic projects, energy, transport and innovative technologies.
Moon said Seoul was ready to promote a "strategic partnership" with Russia and paid homage to Russian culture, saying Moscow and Seoul share a desire to further expand their ties.
The Kremlin has pushed for prospective trilateral economic projects involving Russia and both Koreas, including a railway link and a natural gas pipeline.
During his three-day visit, Moon is also expected to watch South Korea's World Cup match against Mexico on Saturday in the city of Rostov-on-Don.
