Did North Korea's leader receive a New Year's message from Putin praising troop deployment in Ukraine?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Putin's message highlights strong diplomatic ties.
- North Korea's military involvement in Ukraine is acknowledged.
- Future cooperation between Russia and North Korea is anticipated.
- Strategic partnership treaty enhances bilateral relations.
- North Korean nuclear policy focuses on national security.
Seoul, Dec 25 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin has conveyed a New Year's greeting to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, commending the North's valiant troop deployment in Russia's conflict with Ukraine, as reported by the North’s state media on Thursday.
Kim received this message on December 18, where Putin expressed his heartfelt congratulations for the upcoming New Year, according to Yonhap, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Putin remarked, "The previous year held special importance for the ties between Moscow and Pyongyang," referencing the involvement of North Korean troops in Russia's military operations.
He stated this involvement "clearly demonstrated the unbreakable friendship and militant solidarity" between the two nations.
Putin also highlighted the strategic partnership treaty signed between the countries, noting, "This has significantly enhanced our cooperation across various sectors including politics, trade, economy, and humanitarian efforts.
"I firmly believe we will continue to strengthen our alliances and engage in constructive collaboration on both regional and international matters," Putin added.
This collaboration, he stated, will benefit the nations involved and help establish a just order in a multi-polar world.
Putin's commitment to ongoing cooperation with Kim comes amidst continuous diplomatic attempts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, indicating that both countries may maintain their alignment in the future.
The KCNA report followed a week after the message was received, possibly aiming to underscore the strong relations between North Korea and Russia, coinciding with a separate Thursday report about Kim's visit to a nuclear-powered submarine construction site.
During this inspection, Kim reaffirmed that the nation's nuclear capabilities are directed towards ensuring lasting peace and absolute security, while pledging to uphold their national security strategies.