Pyongyang, Aug 16 (V7N)- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to further strengthen ties with Russia, describing the relationship between the two countries as rooted in a shared history of struggle.
North Korean state news agency KCNA reported the development on Sunday (August 16), following a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin marking Korea's Liberation Day.
In his response to Putin, Kim expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations and said he was determined to further develop ties based on the two countries' history of joint struggle and their longstanding friendship.
Putin also highlighted the historical connection between Moscow and Pyongyang, saying the relationship was forged through the Soviet Union's fight against Japan during World War II. He expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to expand in various areas.
Relations between North Korea and Russia have strengthened significantly in recent years, particularly since Russia's war in Ukraine. North Korea has provided troops and weapons in support of Russia's war effort, marking Pyongyang's most significant military involvement in an overseas conflict in decades.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called for renewed dialogue with North Korea during a Liberation Day ceremony. He proposed transforming the 1950-53 Korean War armistice into a permanent peace agreement and holding discussions on North Korea's nuclear programme.
Pyongyang has previously rejected such initiatives from Seoul and criticised joint US-South Korean military exercises as provocative.
Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule after Japan surrendered at the end of World War II on August 15, 1945.
END/SMA/AJ
