Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, underscored the necessity of dismantling imperialism while emphasizing ongoing cooperation with Russia during his speech commemorating the 80th anniversary of liberation.
According to the Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, on August 15, Kim stated that today, it is re-experiencing the exhilaration of 80 years ago in the liberation square, where millions once celebrated the return of the nation. He characterized August 15, 1945, as a pivotal moment for the Korean people, marking both the restoration of their sovereign dignity and a day of tremendous victory.
Kim declared that the period of Japanese colonial rule was a history of suffering for the Korean people. He said that, yet it also exemplifies our steadfast patriotism and pride, as well as the unyielding resistance against injustice. Further, the Japanese imperialists could never break their indomitable spirit for independence, and their patriotic struggle to regain sovereignty has never once faltered.
He emphasized that August 15 is not only a day celebrating the nation’s aspirations for freedom and independence but also the beginning of their struggle to transcend a long history of suffering. Kim described the 80th anniversary of liberation as a monument to national prosperity built upon the people’s commitment to independence and dignity, cementing their honor and glory through resolute struggle and self-awareness.
Kim also highlighted the enduring friendship between North Korea and Russia.
He stated that they celebrate the people’s liberation day as a shared holiday for both nations and extend warm greetings to our esteemed guests from Russia, including Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and Comrade Vyacheslav Volodin, who visited the country, as well as to our friendly Russian comrades and brotherly people.
Toward the conclusion of his speech, he remarked that the righteous ideology and efforts of the Russian people, who support the national liberation struggles of their brotherly nations against imperialism and colonialism, constitute a valuable legacy that further fortifies the relations. He added that today, the North Korea-Russia friendship has evolved into a historically unparalleled alliance, solidified through the joint efforts to prevent the resurgence of neo-Nazism and to safeguard sovereignty, security, and international justice.
He concluded by stating that Korea and Russia are once again writing a history of justice in the fight for the nations’ dignity and sovereignty, as well as for global peace and stability. He further highlighted that the party and government will remain resolutely committed to the mission entrusted to them by history and the times, and on this journey, the two brotherly nations will forever share the sacred legacy of victory.