North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have exchanged another set of letters – a month after Kim made a rare trip to Russia – with Kim wishing Putin victory over “imperialists’ anti-Russia scheme” and both men lauding their two countries’ deepening ties.
The exchange of letters marked the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations, North Korean state media KCNA reported on Thursday.
In his letter, Kim said he was “very satisfied” with the talks that had taken place in Russia, describing the discussions as “candid [and] comprehensive”. He promised to bring relations to a “new height” and wished Putin victory in his struggle to “frustrat[e] the imperialists’ persistent hegemonic policy and moves to isolate and stifle Russia”.
Moscow and Pyongyang, both increasingly isolated amid severe international sanctions, have drawn closer since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukrainein February last year.
Last month, Kim travelled to Russia’s far east for a summit with Putin amid concern Pyongyang was preparing to provide arms to Russia’s military in exchange for weapons technology banned under United Nations resolutions over its nuclear weapons programme.
