Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Workers’ Party General Secretary Kim Jong Un exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 80th anniversary of their countries’ liberation.
North Korea’s state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published the full text of these messages on August 15.
In his message, Putin stated that on this national holiday of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Liberation Day, he extends his warmest congratulations to Kim. He added, eighty years ago, Red Army units and Korean patriots defeated the Kwantung Army, ending Japanese colonial rule in Korea.
Putin continued that it is significant that the bonds of combat friendship, goodwill, and mutual support forged in those bygone days remain strong and reliable today. He specifically mentioned that the heroic participation of Korean soldiers in liberating the Kursk region from Ukrainian occupying forces has clearly demonstrated this. This statement reaffirms Russia’s appreciation for North Korea’s military support.
The Russian leader emphasized that the Russian people will forever cherish the memory of their bravery and self-sacrifice. He expressed confidence that the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed last year in Pyongyang will continue to drive mutual strengthening across all areas.
In his response, Kim acknowledged the Soviet Union’s role in Korea’s liberation, stating that the great history of its homeland’s liberation, which brought fundamental changes to the destiny and revival of the Korean people, is vividly marked by the selfless sacrifice and immortal contributions of the Red Army soldiers.
Kim further noted that the 80-year history of friendship and blood ties serves as the cornerstone that has elevated the North Korea-Russia relationship to a solid comradeship and comprehensive strategic partnership. Further noting that this will be an inexhaustible driving force for building strong nations and creating a multipolar world order. His words underscore the ongoing political alignment between North Korea and Russia.
On the same day, Kim met with Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma and a close ally of Putin. Volodin visited Pyongyang to attend North Korea’s 80th liberation anniversary celebrations on behalf of Putin.
During their meeting, Kim told Volodin that this visit would enhance the significance of the 80th anniversary of liberation and further elevate North Korea-Russia relations to new heights, deepening the bond between the two peoples.
Volodin reciprocated by expressing gratitude for the efforts of North Korean troops in the Kursk region, stating that Russia will never forget the crucial support provided by the Korean people and government during critical times, as well as the heroic actions of the Korean People’s Army soldiers who came to fight and sacrifice their lives in Russia.