Dmitry Medvedev, the second-in-command of Russia and deputy chairman of the Security Council, as well as the leader of the United Russia party, sent a New Year’s greeting to Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party. In his message, Medvedev alluded to new possibilities in the relationship between the two nations.
On December 28, the Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, released the full text of the letter Medvedev sent to Kim on December 20.
Medvedev characterized this year as one that solidified the steady progress in relations between the two countries, which have now reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
He particularly emphasized the lasting impression left by the warm reception he received during his October visit to Pyongyang for the 80th anniversary celebration of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Medvedev expressed fond memories of his productive meeting with Kim during the visit.
Looking ahead, Medvedev expressed hope that cooperation between the United Russia party and the Workers’ Party of Korea, along with multifaceted collaboration between the two nations, would continue to expand. He suggested this would create new opportunities for joint projects, hinting at a further strengthening of bilateral ties in the coming year.
Medvedev, widely recognized as a close confidant of President Vladimir Putin, had previously led a Russian delegation to North Korea on October 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party.
During that visit, he met with Kim and made reference to North Korean troops deployed in Russia, asserting that this demonstrated the invincibility of the alliance forged in blood between their two countries. The two leaders also discussed future plans for developing their alliance.
Medvedev’s participation extended to attending the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square, where he stood alongside Kim and China’s Premier Li Qiang, visually reinforcing the close trilateral relationship between North Korea, China, and Russia.