North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin, as Pyongyang marked the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Japanese colonial rule.
Kim was responding to a congratulatory message from Putin marking the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
Putin said the relationship between Russia and North Korea was forged through the Soviet Union’s fight against Japan and pledged continued cooperation across all sectors.
Kim expressed hope that bilateral relations would continue to grow, describing them as rooted in a shared history of struggle and longstanding friendship.
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North Korea and Russia have strengthened their ties since Pyongyang began providing troops and weapons to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The Russian ship Pallada also arrived at Wonsan port on Saturday for a goodwill visit linked to the liberation anniversary. It was welcomed by North Korean provincial officials and Russian embassy staff.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for dialogue with North Korea to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent conflict.
Lee also urged the two Koreas to work towards replacing the armistice that ended the 1950–1953 Korean War with a formal peace regime.
North Korea has rejected Lee’s overtures and criticised US-South Korean military exercises as provocations.
