Message on the 78th Anniversary of the DPRK's Founding
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent an official letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating Pyongyang's intention to "expand and deepen" joint cooperation with Moscow. According to reports, the message was delivered on Monday in response to Putin's congratulations on the 78th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Thus, the exchange of letters became another element of the diplomatic dialogue between the two capitals, which has noticeably intensified in recent months against the backdrop of converging foreign policy positions.
"Allied Relations" and Expanded Cooperation "in All Spheres"
In the text of the message, Kim Jong Un emphasized that the DPRK government is "firmly determined" to expand cooperation with Russia "in a comprehensive manner." He described the foundation of such interaction as friendship, mutual assistance, and what he explicitly called "allied relations" between the two countries. This wording underscores that Pyongyang seeks to formalize, at the official level, the nature of bilateral ties that go beyond ordinary friendship.
Confidence in Russia's Victory and "Unwavering Support"
A separate emphasis in the letter is placed on support for Moscow in its military conflict. Kim Jong Un expressed confidence in "Russia's victory" in what he called a "sacred war to defend the country's security interests and international justice." As Reuters notes, this wording likely refers to Russia's war against Ukraine, although the DPRK leader does not name the conflict by name in the letter. Summing up the message, Kim Jong Un pledged "unwavering support" for Putin and the Russian people.
Parallel Message to Xi Jinping
In addition to his address to Putin, Kim Jong Un delivered a message of similar spirit on Sunday to Chinese President Xi Jinping. In it, he stated that North Korea intends to cooperate with China to further develop "traditional friendship" and advance the "common socialist cause." The simultaneous sending of letters to two key allies demonstrates Pyongyang's attempt to synchronously maintain relations with both Moscow and Beijing.
Context: Putin's August Message and Beijing's Concern
It is worth recalling that back in August, in a message to Kim Jong Un on the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Putin stated that Russia and the DPRK cooperate "in all areas" and coordinate efforts for regional security. Against this backdrop, according to Forbes, Beijing is expressing concern over the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea: in China, there are fears that such rapprochement could reduce the PRC's influence over Pyongyang and destabilize the situation in the region. It is precisely within this tripartite dynamic — Moscow, Pyongyang, Beijing — that Kim Jong Un's new letter should be considered.
