Seoul, South Korea – In a move underscoring the strengthening relationship between North Korea and Russia, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia Day, celebrated annually on June 12th. The news was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 11th.
According to the KCNA report, the message was formally delivered to a Russian Foreign Ministry official by North Korea’s Ambassador to Russia, Shin Hong-chol. While the specific content of the message was not disclosed, analysts speculate that Kim Jong-un likely expressed his commitment to further deepening cooperation between the two nations, potentially referencing the recently signed Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between North Korea and Russia as a foundation for this enhanced collaboration.
This gesture follows a similar congratulatory message sent by Kim Jong-un to Putin on Russia Day last year. In that message, Kim emphasized the enduring strategic value of North Korea-Russia relations, stating that the continued development of neighborly cooperation in line with the demands of the new era was North Korea’s unwavering stance. He also expressed North Korea’s full support for the Russian people in safeguarding their sovereignty and development interests against what he termed imperialist tyranny, aligning with the shared objective of achieving international justice.
The exchange of celebratory messages highlights the increasingly close ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the face of international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. The Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed between the two countries further solidifies this relationship, raising concerns among Western nations about potential implications for regional security and the enforcement of sanctions against North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
The continued engagement between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin suggests a strategic alignment that warrants close monitoring by the international community. The evolving dynamics of this partnership could have significant ramifications for the geopolitical landscape in Northeast Asia and beyond.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, June 11). 金正恩向普京致电祝贺俄罗斯国庆日 [Kim Jong-un Congratulates Putin on Russia Day]. Retrieved from [Insert URL if available, otherwise omit]
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