North Korea's Kim Wishes Russia's Putin 'Victory' Over 'Imperialists'
KCNA Reports the Latest Exchange of Letters Between the Leaders
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October 12, 2023
Recent the leaders from North Korea and Russia exchanged letters which celebrated the progress the two countries are making as allies.
The exchanged correspondence of another set of letters came a month after Kim made a rare trip to Russia. The North Korean supreme leader wished Putin victory over what he deemed to be “imperialists” propagating an “anti-Russia scheme.” Both men reportedly lauded their two countries’ deepening ties.
The reportedly exchange of letters came at the time of the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between Russia and the North Korean state, KCNA reported on Thursday, October 12.
Kim wrote in one of his letters that he was “very satisfied” with the talks that had taken place in Russia, describing the discussions as “candid [and] comprehensive”. He promised to bring relations to a “new height” and wished Putin victory in his struggle to “frustrate [e] the imperialists’ persistent hegemonic policy and moves to isolate and stifle Russia”.
Moscow and Pyongyang have become isolated amid severe international sanctions. The two nations have drawn closer since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February last year.
Last month, Kim traveled to Russia’s far eastern region for a summit with Putin amid concern Pyongyang was preparing to provide arms to Russia’s military in exchange for weapons technology banned under United Nations resolutions over its nuclear weapons program.
After their talks, the two men said military cooperation had been discussed, including North Korea’s satellite program and the war in Ukraine.
Putin likewise wrote in one of his recent letters that the Russia-Korea summit was further evidence of the two countries’ bilateral relationship continuing to “positively develop” across the board, falling within “the glorious traditions of the past.”
The Soviet Union, which was dominated by Russia, established diplomatic ties with North Korea on October 12, 1948, the first country to recognize North Korea as a state.
United States officials have accused North Korea of providing weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. The list of arms reportedly sold included artillery shells, shoulder-fired rockets, and missiles.
Pyongyang and Moscow have denied any arms transactions.
A separate statement was reportedly released on Thursday, highlighting the points made by North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon-il which reaffirmed the country’s support for Russia over Ukraine. The statement described Russia’s war in Ukraine as a “righteous” struggle under which Moscow was defending its strategic security and interests.
In addition to the letters listed above, Kim and Putin also reportedly also exchanged letters in August. During that time they marked the 78th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule.
As the two countries continue to build bilateral relations, Kim promised to develop a “long-standing strategic relationship” with Russia.