North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming his stance of always being side by side with Moscow. The message was sent on Russia Day (June 12) - the anniversary of the country's independence and sovereignty.
In the letter, Mr. Kim Jong-un called Mr. Putin "the closest comrade" and praised the relationship between the two countries as "a sincere relationship between comrades who have fought together".
The North Korean leader stressed that this is the unwavering will of my government and myself to continue developing relations between the Democratic Peoples Republic of North Korea and Russia.
North Korean state media also reported that Mr. Kim Jong-un sent congratulations to President Putin on the occasion of the Russian national holiday. This move clearly demonstrates Pyongyang's political support for Moscow in the context of Russia in a state of tension with the West regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
This year, North Korea also confirmed for the first time that it had sent soldiers to fight on the Russian side in the conflict with Ukraine under the orders of Mr. Kim Jong-un, after months of maintaining a low level of silence. This information clarifies the depth of military cooperation between the two countries in the context of Russia continuing to receive support from some allies outside of Europe.
Mr. Kim Jong-un's message reflects the close relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow not only in political terms but also demonstrates the bilateral will to maintain a long-term strategic relationship. These statements further strengthen Russia's position in the international arena amid ongoing sanctions and isolation from Western countries.
