North Korean leader Kim Jong-un thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for congratulating him on his reelection as president of state affairs, expressing hope for continued strong ties. In a reply message, Kim stated that Pyongyang will always stand with Moscow. The message came two days after his reelection at the first session of the 15th Supreme People's Assembly.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for congratulating him on his reelection as president of state affairs, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). In a reply message sent on Tuesday, Kim said, 'I express my sincere thanks to you for sending warm and sincere congratulations first on my re-assumption of the heavy duty' as president of state affairs. He added that he is convinced the firm relations and trust between them will 'undoubtedly guarantee the durability and future purposefulness' between North Korea and Russia and 'powerfully promote the development and wellbeing' of the peoples of the two nations. 'Pyongyang will always be with Moscow. This is our choice and unshakable will,' Kim stated. Putin had sent a congratulatory message earlier this week, expressing hope that the two nations will continue to closely cooperate to develop their comprehensive strategic partnership. Pyongyang and Moscow have deepened military cooperation since signing a mutual defense treaty in June 2024, with North Korea sending troops and conventional weapons to aid Russia's war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Vietnam's President Luong Cuong and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko also sent congratulatory messages, per KCNA. Luong hoped for deeper ties, while Lukashenko expressed interest in 'actively expanding political and economic relations with North Korea at various levels.' North Korea announced Tuesday that Lukashenko will visit Pyongyang on March 25-26 at Kim's invitation, as reported by Russian media. The reelection marks Kim's third consecutive term since the nation's top policy guidance body was created in 2016.
