Kim Jong Un Sends Reply to Putin, Vowing "Firm, Bright Future" for Bilateral Ties

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent a reply message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had sent a congratulatory message ahead of Liberation Day, signaling his commitment to strengthening North Korea-Russia ties.

The Rodong Sinmun, targeted at North Korean readers, published Kim's reply today (August 16), which was dated yesterday.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulatory message, Kim stated regarding liberation, "The sacred history of our people's liberation of the fatherland vividly bears the feats of the valiant soldiers of the Red Army who fought heroically in the holy war to crush our common enemy."

He went on to emphasize, "I am always proud that we are able to lead the North Korea-Russia relations together with you and firmly foresee a much brighter future for bilateral ties."

After reiterating his confidence in Russia's "defense of its territorial integrity," Kim concluded his message by saying, "I sincerely wish you good health and even greater success in your responsible endeavors."

The leaders of North Korea and Russia exchange congratulatory messages on the occasion of Liberation Day every year.

For the third consecutive year, Kim visited the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang on Liberation Day.

The Liberation Tower is a monument commemorating the Soviet soldiers who died in battle while driving out the Japanese military from North Korean territory in 1945.

Following a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2024, where they signed the "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," North Korea and Russia have forged closer ties as "blood allies," deploying combat troops and engineers to the war in Ukraine starting in October of that year.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.