Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday invited North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a summit to discuss urgent issues, the media reported.

Putin expressed his readiness to hold a summit with Kim at an "early date" in a message sent on the occasion of North Korea's liberation, coinciding with the 73rd anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported. "I affirm that I am ready to meet you at an early date to discuss urgent issues of bilateral relations and important matters of the region," Putin said.