North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their pledge to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. They made the commitment in congratulatory messages exchanged to mark the anniversary of liberation from Japanese colonial rule.
North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported Sunday that Kim Jong-un responded to a congratulatory message sent by Putin marking the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
In his message, Putin said the foundation of relations between Russia and North Korea was built through the struggle of Soviet soldiers against Japan. He expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries would continue to expand across various fields in the future.
In response, Kim Jong-un cited the history of the two countries’ joint struggle and their long tradition of friendship, expressing optimism for further development of relations.
Military cooperation grows closer
Relations between Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened significantly in recent years. Ties have grown even closer since North Korea began supplying troops and weapons to support Russia in the Ukraine war.
This is considered North Korea’s largest involvement in any foreign conflict since the Korean War. At the same time, concern has grown among South Korea and Western countries over the expanding military and strategic cooperation.
Meanwhile, marking the anniversary of Liberation Day, the Russian naval vessel Pallada arrived at North Korea’s Wonsan port on Saturday on a goodwill visit. KCNA said local North Korean officials and representatives from the Russian embassy welcomed the ship.
South Korea calls for dialogue
Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called for renewed dialogue with North Korea at a Liberation Day event.
He said establishing an effective security framework to avoid conflict between the two Koreas is essential. He added that instead of the current armistice agreement, efforts should be made to establish a permanent peace framework.
The Korean War ended with an armistice agreement in 1953, but no peace treaty was ever signed. As a result, North and South Korea technically remain in a state of war.
Lee further said future talks could also address North Korea’s nuclear program. However, Pyongyang has recently rejected Seoul’s proposals for dialogue. It has also repeatedly criticized joint military exercises between the US and South Korea as “provocative actions.”
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