Putin confident constructive Russia-North Korea cooperation will continue

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence that constructive cooperation between Moscow and North Korea on the current bilateral and international agenda will continue.

Putin made the remarks in a congratulatory message to North Korea’s supreme leader, Kim Jong Un, on Korea’s National Liberation Day, which is commemorated every 15 August.

“I am confident that we will continue constructive cooperation on pressing issues on the bilateral and international agenda for the well-being of the peoples of Russia and Korea, and in the interests of building a fairer and truly democratic world order,” read the telegram published on the Kremlin’s official website on Saturday.

Putin also wished the North Korean leader continued health and success, and all citizens of the country happiness and prosperity.

Putin said the holiday symbolises the courage and resilience of the Korean fighters and the soldiers of the “Red Army” who fought together for the country’s liberation from Japanese occupation.

It was during that difficult period, Putin continued, that the traditions of battlefield brotherhood and strong mutual assistance began to take shape, later becoming the foundation for the friendly and harmonious relations between Russia and North Korea.

“Dear Kim Jong Un, please accept my sincere congratulations on the anniversary of Korea’s National Liberation Day and North Korea’s national holiday,” the telegram read.

Korea’s National Liberation Day is commemorated every 15 August in North Korea to mark the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japanese occupation in 1945.