Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, said in a message sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia Day (June 12), the Russian national holiday, that he “thoroughly supports the domestic and foreign policies of Moscow.”

According to the full text of the congratulatory message reported by the Korean Central News Agency on the 12th, Kim said, “Always standing with the Russian Federation is the unwavering will and position of me and the government of the DPRK.”

Kim said, “Today, DPRK-Russia relations (North Korea-Russia relations) are opening a new chapter in history and are being further strengthened into a relationship of sincere and devoted comradeship and trust, and into an alliance.”

Kim then said, “This is a proud achievement obtained by the two countries, the DPRK and Russia (North Korea and Russia), by faithfully upholding the obligations of the treaty on a comprehensive strategic partnership and the idea of justice,” adding that ”it demonstrates that our choice is justified“.

Kim said, “I wish that only success and victory will always lie ahead on the path of the brotherly Russian people,” and “I sincerely hope that there will be greater achievements in your (President Putin) responsible work.”

KCNA reported the previous day that the message was delivered after Sin Hong-chol, the North Korean ambassador to Russia, met with an official at the Russian Foreign Ministry. Following 2024, North Korea also last year made public through KCNA, one day before the Russian national day, the fact and channel of Chairman Kim’s dispatch of the congratulatory message, and on the next day disclosed its content.

The full text of the message was also carried on the front page of Rodong Sinmun, the Workers Party organ read by North Korean residents. Introducing the Russian national day in an article titled ‘Russia working vigorously for justice and truth’, Rodong Sinmun wrote, “At present, the Russian people are waging a vigorous struggle to crush the growing threats and challenges of hostile forces and to defend the sovereignty and dignity of the country.”