N. Korea's Kim vows to deepen 'strategic' ties with Russia in letter to Putin

Seoul, Oct. 7 - In a birthday letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his intention to strengthen the strategic partnership between their nations, according to Pyongyang's state media. Kim wrote that he is pleased to have a good friendship with Putin and is committed to advancing the development of their bilateral relations.

He emphasized that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) government holds the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance with Russia in high regard, and plans to steadily expand and develop joint efforts. Kim pledged his "invariable support" for Putin and Russia, believing that Russia's "sacred war of justice" to safeguard its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity will culminate in victory.

The letter began with the words "my dearest friend" and concluded with "I warmly embrace you, my dear comrade." Since June 2024, North Korea and Russia have bolstered their mutual ties after signing a mutual defense pact that paved the way for North Korean military support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.