Putin And Xi Reaffirm Strong Ties With Kim On North Korea’s Founding Anniversary

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory messages to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in honor of North Korea’s founding anniversary, state media outlet KCNA reported on Monday.

In his message, Putin expressed confidence in the continued strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, also known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). “I am sure that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and the DPRK will be strengthened in a planned way thanks to our joint efforts,” Putin stated, according to KCNA.

Xi Jinping also conveyed his desire for deeper strategic communication and cooperation with North Korea in his message, KCNA reported.

Last year, Kim Jong Un celebrated the country’s founding day on September 9 with a parade of paramilitary groups and diplomatic engagements, during which he pledged to further strengthen ties with China and Russia.