North Korean leader hails deepening ties with Russia
Kim Jong Un said he believed victory was assured in Putin's "sacred war"
By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.08.16 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed his country's deepening relations with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin, telling the Russian leader victory was assured in his "sacred war," the North's state-run media reported.
Kim's comments followed a message from Putin on the anniversary of Korea's independence from Japan's colonial rule. The Russian leader told Kim that the bond forged as Soviet soldiers fought against Japan served as the basis of their ties.
In response, Kim thanked Putin, stressing the "invincible comradeship" of their countries.
"The friendly feelings of the armies and peoples of the two countries forged and deepened in the bloody struggle against the common enemy serve as a strong driving force for developing the traditional DPRK-Russia relations of friendship and cooperation into comprehensive strategic partnership," said Kim, as cited by the Korean Central News Agency on Friday.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK, is North Korea's official name.
Putin visited North Korea for talks with Kim in June when they announced a partnership treaty, agreeing to offer each other military assistance "without delay" if either were attacked. They also underscored their shared defiance of Western sanctions and expanded cooperation in various sectors.
During the June summit, Kim assured Putin of full support for Russia's war in Ukraine. In his latest message, though not referring to Ukraine by name, Kim told Putin he was sure of Russia's victory.
"I express the firm belief that the strong and brave Russian people will firmly defend the sovereign right and security interests of the state and surely win victory in the sacred war for regional peace and international justice under your energetic leadership," Kim said.
Russia has been cozying up to North Korea since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The United States says that North Korea has supplied Russia with large amounts of weapons for the war in Ukraine, in particular artillery rounds and ballistic missiles, although both Russia and North Korea deny that.
In exchange for its weapons, North Korea is suspected of getting Russian technological assistance for its space program.
Edited by Mike Firn.
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