North Korea's Kim Jong Un Visits Soviet Memorial Ahead of Liberation Day; Putin Sends Congratulatory Message

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Daesongsan Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery and the Liberation Monument, a memorial facility for Soviet soldiers, ahead of Liberation Day, which Pyongyang refers to as Fatherland Liberation Day.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim visited the two locations yesterday, August 14, marking the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the homeland, accompanied by senior officials from the party, government, and armed forces.

Published photos showed that he was accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, who was wearing a pink suit.

At the Daesongsan Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery, Kim emphasized that "the staunch independent spirit and immortal exploits of the first-generation revolutionaries, who saved the country and nation through bloody resistance and reclaimed our dignity, are ideological and spiritual treasures to be passed down through generations."

During his visit to the Liberation Monument, he highlighted that North Korea-Russia relations are traditional ties forged in blood.

The agency reported that a wreath sent under Kim's name bore the inscription, "We will not forget the exploits of the Soviet soldiers."

Kim stated, "The great history, tradition, and blood-tied bonds between North Korea and Russia serve as the fundamental cornerstone and boundless driving force for bilateral friendly cooperative relations today." He added, "The great friendship and unity between the peoples of the two countries, forged through noble ideals and genuine militant camaraderie, will be firmly inherited and developed across generations alongside a new era of comprehensive flourishing."

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message celebrating Liberation Day.

Putin noted that the tradition of militant camaraderie and mutual assistance between North Korea and Russia was established during a grim period, stating, "Our countries are actively cooperating across all areas and aligning our efforts to ensure regional security and stability."

He added, "I am confident that we will continue our constructive joint work on pressing bilateral and international issues for the welfare of the Russian and Korean peoples, and to establish a more just and genuinely democratic world order."

(Photo: Pyongyang Korean Central News Agency, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.