North Korea's Commissioner Kim Jong Un reportedly sent a congratulatory message to President Vladimir Putin on Russia's National Day (June 12). In contrast, it is known that North Korea rejected receiving a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Korean Central News Agency reported on the 11th that Chairman Kim's congratulatory message to President Putin was "formally conveyed by Shin Hong-cheol, our country's special envoy to the Russian Federation, when he met with officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry."
Although the specific content of the congratulatory message was not disclosed, it is likely that it contained Chairman Kim's expressed intention to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, starting with the "comprehensive strategic partnership agreement," and to advance toward a full-fledged strategic partnership.
Chairman Kim also sent a congratulatory message to President Putin last year on Russia's National Day. In a past congratulatory message, Chairman Kim emphasized, "The friendship between our countries is a valuable strategic asset," and stated, "The unwavering position of the Republic’s government is to continually elevate and develop our friendly cooperation in line with the demands of a new era."
U.S. media outlet NK News reported on the 11th (local time) that North Korean diplomats active in the United States refused to accept a letter from President Trump intended for Commissioner Kim Jong Un to restore dialogue channels between North Korea and the U.S.
The outlet cited a senior source who requested anonymity, stating about the letter, "President Trump has drafted a letter to send to Commissioner Kim Jong Un with the goal of resuming dialogue."
However, despite several attempts to deliver the letter, North Korean diplomats in Manhattan, New York, refused to accept it, said the source. It appears that the North Korean diplomats referred to their mission to the United Nations, known as the so-called New York Channel.
The U.S. State Department stated regarding related inquiries, "We do not comment on potential diplomatic dialogue," and recommended inquiring directly with the White House, but NK News also reported that the White House has yet to respond.