North Korea's Kim, Russia's Putin reaffirm ties on Korean Liberation Day
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged messages reaffirming their bilateral ties during the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan. The exchange underscores the deepening military and political cooperation between the two nations.
Why it matters
The strengthening alliance between North Korea and Russia has significant implications for global security and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Kim Jong Un expressed hope for the future of ties that had "carried forward the history of common struggle for justice and precious traditions of friendship".
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a meeting in Beijing, China Sep 3, 2025. (File photo: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via REUTERS)
SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed the deepening of ties with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin as Pyongyang marked the anniversary of independence from Japan's colonial rule, KCNA state news agency said on Sunday (Aug 16).
Kim was replying to a message of congratulations from Putin marking Saturday's 81st anniversary of Tokyo's surrender in World War II. The Russian leader said the bond was forged as Soviet soldiers fought against Japan and that cooperation would continue "in all the sectors".
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