Kim Jong-un Sends Russia Day Letter to Putin Affirming Treaty Ties

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory letter dated June 12 to Russian President Vladimir Putin marking Russia Day. " Kim credited the strengthening ties to both sides fulfilling obligations under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed during the leaders' summit in Pyongyang 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," the letter stated.

DPRK is North Korea's official name. The letter was delivered by North Korea's Ambassador to Russia Sin Hong-chol during a meeting with a Russian foreign ministry official, Yonhap reported, citing the Korean Central News Agency. The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, placed the letter on the front page of its Friday edition.

The same edition carried additional articles on page six marking Russia Day and highlighting developments in Russia's agriculture and military sectors. Russia Day commemorates the 1990 declaration of Russian state sovereignty. 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 attended by North Korean officials. A file photo dated June 20, 2024, shows Kim Jong-un driving a vehicle while speaking with Putin during the Pyongyang summit.