Kim Jong-un vows to 'expand and deepen' joint projects with Russia in reply to Putin

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his commitment to comprehensively expanding and deepening joint projects with Russia in a reply to President Vladimir Putin, sent on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

KCNA published the full text of Kim's reply to Putin on Tuesday. Kim had sent the reply on Monday. The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, also carried the message on its front page.

"On the occasion of the 78th founding anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, I and the entire Korean people feel boundless inspiration at your warm congratulatory message and express our deep gratitude," Kim said in the reply.

He added that the two countries and peoples "have been steadfastly cementing trust and solidarity amid the turbulent winds of an uneven history, jointly defending justice and peace, and continuously writing a new chapter in the great history of our alliance."

Kim stressed that his government's resolve to "comprehensively expand and deepen joint undertakings with the Russian Federation" was "unshakably firm," rooted in a shared vision for the future of North Korea-Russia relations built on traditions of friendship, good-neighborliness, mutual assistance and a solid alliance.

He went on to say that he was "firmly convinced of the victory of the Russian Federation in today's sacred war to defend the security interests of the country and international justice," and pledged "unwavering support" for Putin and the Russian people. "I wish you and the Russian people nothing but success and glory on the road ahead," he added.

The reply came in response to a congratulatory message Putin had sent Kim for the 78th anniversary of the DPRK's founding. The two leaders have regularly exchanged such messages on occasions including the DPRK founding anniversary, Liberation Day and the new year, using the exchanges to display the strength of their alliance.

North Korea and Russia restored their military alliance in June 2024 by signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. Pyongyang has since deepened its military ties with Moscow, dispatching troops for the first time in October of that year to support Russia's war stemming from its invasion of Ukraine.