Kim Wishes Putin Victory Over ‘Imperialists’ in Exchange Letters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have exchanged letters marking the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations, North Korean state media KCNA reported on Thursday.

Kim wished Putin victory over “imperialists’ anti-Russia scheme” and both men lauding their two countries’ deepening ties.

The exchange of letters comes a month after Kim made a rare trip to Russia, where he met with Putin and the two leaders signed a joint statement pledging to strengthen ties and cooperate on a range of issues, including security and the economy.

In his letter, Kim expressed his “warmest congratulations” to Putin on the anniversary of bilateral relations, and praised the “unbreakable friendship and solidarity” between the two countries. He also wished Putin “success” in “smashing the imperialists’ anti-Russia scheme.”

Putin, in his letter, said that he was “confident” that the two countries would continue to develop their relations “in all areas” for the benefit of their peoples and the “strengthening of regional and global security.”

The exchange of letters is a sign of the close ties between North Korea and Russia, which have grown closer in recent years as both countries have been subject to sanctions from the West.

The Soviet Union, primarily led by Russia, became the first country to establish diplomatic relations with North Korea on October 12, 1948. This recognition marked the beginning of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations and signified the Soviet Union’s acknowledgment of North Korea as an independent state.

The United States has expressed concern about the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, and has warned that Russia could provide North Korea with weapons or other assistance. However, both North Korea and Russia have denied any wrongdoing.

The exchange of letters also comes at a time when both North Korea and Russia are facing significant challenges. North Korea is under international sanctions for its nuclear and missile programs, while Russia is facing sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine.

It is unclear how the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia will impact the situation on the Korean Peninsula or in Ukraine. However, the exchange of letters is a sign that the two countries are committed to strengthening their relationship.