▲ This file photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on June 20, 2024, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (R) driving a vehicle while talking with Russian President Vladimir Putin (L), who visited Pyongyang to hold summit talks with the North's leader. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) NK-Russia

(LEAD) N. Korea's Kim reaffirms alliance with Russia in letter to Putin

(ATTN: ADDS more detail in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged unwavering support for Moscow in a congratulatory letter to President Vladimir Putin marking Russia Day, Pyongyang's state media reported Friday.

Kim extended his "warmest congratulations" to Russia on its national day, which commemorates the 1990 declaration of Russian state sovereignty, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The two countries' relationship, Kim wrote, is being "further strengthened into sincere and devoted relations of comradely trust and alliance, opening a new chapter of history," the report said.

He credited the growing bond to both sides honoring their obligations under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty the two leaders signed at their Pyongyang summit in June 2024.

"It is the invariable will and stand of mine and the DPRK government to fully support the internal and external policies of Moscow and always join the Russian Federation," he added. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name.

The letter, dated June 12, was delivered by North Korea's Ambassador to Russia Sin Hong-chol in a meeting with a Russian foreign ministry official, the KCNA reported earlier.

The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, carried the letter on the front page of its Friday edition.

The paper also ran articles marking Russia Day on the sixth page, covering the country's development across sectors, including agriculture and military.

A day earlier, Russian Embassy officials in Pyongyang, led by Charge d'Affaires Vladimir Topekha, laid a wreath at the Liberation Tower, which honors Soviet soldiers who fought against Japan in World War II. The embassy also hosted a reception to mark the holiday, attended by North Korean officials, the KCNA reported Friday.

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