Kim Jong Un, the Chairperson of the North Korean State Affairs Commission, sent a congratulatory message to President Vladimir Putin expressing his intention to develop a strategic partnership on the occasion of Russia's national day.
According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 12th, the Chairperson referred to Russia as a "brother country" in a congratulatory message sent to President Putin the previous day to commemorate 'Russia Day.'
The Chairperson continued, "Today, the traditional goodwill between North Korea and Russia has become even more solidified through the combat comradeship established by the blood of the soldiers of the two countries in the righteous crusade to defend Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.
The Chairperson emphasized, "It has sublimated into a tremendous model of a true comradely and allied relationship that cannot be broken by anything."
Since last year, state-run media outlets in North Korea, including the Korean Central News Agency, have been disclosing details of the congratulatory message for Russia Day, including its contents and delivery methods. Previously, only the full text of the message was published without any additional background explanation.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, this year's congratulatory message was delivered by Shin Hong Chul, North Korea's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation, to the Russian Foreign Ministry the previous day.
Alexander Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea, held a banquet the day before at the Daedonggang Diplomatic Club in Pyongyang to commemorate Russia's national day. A similar event was held at the Russian Consulate General in Chongjin, North Hamgyong Province.
As North Korea and Russia grow closer than ever, the possibility of the Chairperson visiting Russia within this year has also increased. President Putin invited the Chairperson to Moscow during his visit to North Korea in June last year. The direct train service between Moscow and Pyongyang, which had been suspended due to COVID-19, will resume operations starting on the 17th.
This is interpreted as reflecting the Chairperson's intention to advance into a full-fledged strategic partnership, in light of the 'comprehensive strategic partner relationship treaty' between North Korea and Russia and the deployment of Russian troops.
In this congratulatory message, the Chairperson also stated, "I and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will always be with you and the Russian Federation," promising the continuity of relations between the two countries.
He also expressed his firm belief that the government's and people's endeavors to safeguard the state's sovereignty and security interests, as well as territorial integrity, and to build a strong Russia will surely be achieved," wishing for Russia's victory in the invasion of Ukraine.