North Korean leader pledges to 'shake hands' with Putin

Mr. Kim Jong-un expressed his wish to strengthen Russia-North Korea strategic cooperation, affirming Pyongyang's support and solidarity with Moscow.

"Justice will surely prevail and the Russian people will continue to add glory to the history of victory," North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia's National Day on June 12.

According to Mr. Kim Jong-un, the friendship between North Korea and Russia is a "valuable strategic asset" and his country will make unceasing efforts to develop that cooperative relationship. He also called for "closer strategic cooperation" with Moscow.

Mr. Kim Jong-un affirmed that shaking hands with the Russian President is in line with the common desire of the people of the two countries to fulfill the great goal of building a strong country.

Leader Kim Jong-un at the 8th Central Committee meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang in January. Photo: KCNA

The North Korean leader said the Russian people's struggle against hostile forces "depriving Moscow of its sovereignty and security" has entered a "new decisive stage" and the North Korean people "fully support and stand united" with Russia.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, North Korea has strengthened its close ties with Russia, openly supporting Moscow in statements and at the United Nations. According to Pyongyang, the "hegemonic and arbitrary policies" of the US and the West are the cause of the war.

The US has accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia, something both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied.

In his congratulatory message to Mr. Putin on Victory Day on May 9, the North Korean leader expressed his belief that Russia will eliminate all threats from "hostile forces, crush all challenges and gain victory on the path of ensuring the country's sovereignty, dignity and regional stability."

Huyen Le (According to Reuters, Yonhap )

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