Putin hails “unprecedented” Russia-North Korea partnership

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the 81st anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, praising what he described as the increasingly close strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.

In a message published on the Kremlin’s website, Putin said the anniversary commemorates the shared efforts of Korean patriots and Soviet Red Army soldiers who fought against Japanese colonial rule, Caliber.Az reports. 

According to Putin, the period of liberation laid the foundations for what he called a lasting tradition of “comradeship and mutual aid” between Russia and North Korea.

The Russian president said bilateral relations have reached an “unprecedentedly high level” of comprehensive strategic partnership. He added that the two countries are cooperating across a broad range of areas and coordinating efforts on regional security and stability.

Putin also expressed confidence that Moscow and Pyongyang would continue working together on bilateral and international issues, saying their cooperation should serve the interests of both countries and contribute to what he described as a more just and democratic world order.

He concluded the message by wishing Kim Jong Un good health and success, and the North Korean people happiness and prosperity.

By Sabina Mammadli