North Korean leader pledges to strengthen ties with Russia - Sarmad

The official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un informed Russian President Vladimir Putin in a message that he would work to “expand and deepen” joint efforts with Moscow.

In a reply sent on Monday to Putin’s congratulations to North Korea on the 78th anniversary of its founding, Kim stated that the Pyongyang government has a strong will to expand cooperation with Russia “in a comprehensive manner” based on friendship, mutual assistance, and what he described as the alliance relations between the two countries.

Kim added that he is convinced of Russia’s victory in what he termed the current “holy war” to defend its security interests and international justice, a phrase that appeared to refer to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

He pledged his “constant support” for Putin and the Russian people.

These remarks come as Moscow and Pyongyang have grown notably closer, with North Korea sending troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine in 2024 and deepening military cooperation under a mutual defense agreement.

Kim sent a similar message to Chinese President Xi Jinping in a reply published by the Korean Central News Agency on Sunday, stating that North Korea would work with China to develop their traditional friendship and strengthen their shared socialist cause.