Seoul, March 23 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his congratulations to North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un on his reelection as chairman of the State Affairs Commission, voicing aspirations for enhanced bilateral relations, as reported by the Kremlin on Monday.

The North's official news agency, Korean Central News Agency, announced that Kim was reappointed to the top position of the commission during the inaugural session of the Supreme People's Assembly on Sunday.

This signifies his third consecutive term since the establishment of the commission in 2016, which serves as the premier body for policy guidance in the nation.

In a message shared on the Kremlin's Telegram channel, Putin stated, "Dear Comrade Kim Jong Un, please accept my sincere congratulations on your reelection as Chairman of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

He further noted, "Russia greatly appreciates your individual efforts towards fortifying the friendly and allied relations between our nations. We will, of course, maintain our close collaboration to further advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. This undeniably serves the core interests of both our countries," he added.

In recent years, Russia and North Korea have been strengthening their ties, culminating in a mutual defense treaty signed in 2024. Reports from Yonhap news agency indicate that North Korea has also deployed troops to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Earlier on the same day, Kim Jong-un was reaffirmed as president of the state affairs commission during the first session of the SPA following last month's party congress, according to state media.

The reappointment was confirmed at the first session of the 15th SPA, marking the initial state affairs activity of its new term.

During the session, Jo Yong-won, recognized as one of Kim's closest advisors, was elected as chairman of the SPA standing committee, succeeding Choe Ryong-hae.

The assembly traditionally convenes after a party congress to enact laws necessary for implementing congress decisions.

In the government reshuffle, Premier Pak Thae-song retained his position, while former Premier Kim Tok-hun was appointed as first vice premier, a newly created role.

Jo also received the appointment as vice chief of the state affairs commission, whereas Kim's influential sister, Kim Yo-jong, was removed from her position as a member of the commission.

Notably, Kim Yo-jong was absent from the KCNA's list of State Affairs Commission members, a position she had held since 2021.

As the third-generation leader, Kim has overseen the nuclear-capable nation since his father's death in 2011. The state was founded in 1948 by his grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

Prior to the session, 687 deputies were appointed to the SPA. In this electoral system, North Korean citizens aged 17 and older are presented with a single, state-sanctioned candidate per district, which they may either accept or reject.

State media outlet KCNA reported an overwhelming approval for the new delegation, achieving a 99.93% vote in favor, with a meager 0.07% opposition and a voter turnout of 99%.

KCNA characterized the atmosphere in the Pyongyang assembly hall as filled with intense political commitment and revolutionary fervor among the newly seated members.

Political analysts speculate that this assembly meeting could address potential amendments to the constitution, which may officially redefine the relationship between North and South Korea, codifying them as ties between "two hostile states."