Kim Jong-un reiterates support for Russia in congratulatory letter to Putin

North Korea's Kim Jong-un has reiterated his country's ties to Russia by sending a letter to Vladimir Putin on Russia's ‌National Day.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged unwavering support for Moscow in a congratulatory letter to President Vladimir Putin marking Russia Day, Pyongyang's state media reported Friday. Kim extended his "warmest congratulations" to Russia on its national day, which commemorates the 1990 declaration of Russian state sovereignty, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The two countries' relationship, Kim wrote, is being "further strengthened into sincere and devoted relations of comradely trust and alliance, opening a new chapter of history," the report said. He credited the growing bond to both sides honoring their obligations under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty the two leaders signed at their Pyongyang summit in June 2024. "It is the invariable will and stand of mine and the DPRK government to fully support the internal and external policies of Moscow and always join the Russian Federation," he added. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name. The letter, dated June 12, was delivered by North Korea's Ambassador

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory letter to Russian President Vladamir Putin ahead of Russia's national day this week, its state media said Thursday. The message was "courteously conveyed to an official concerned of the Russian Foreign Ministry by Sin Hong Chol, DPRK's ambassador to the Russian Federation," the North's Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, without further elaborating. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name. North Korea and Russia have been bolstering their ties since June 2024, following the "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty signed between their leaders. The treaty is considered to have effectively revived the two country's Cold War-era military alliance. After the signing, Pyongyang deployed around 15,000 combat troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine and deepened bilateral cooperation on multiple fronts. Early last month, Kim also sent a congratulatory message to Putin on Russia's Victory Day celebration.