North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message to President Vladimir Putin on Russia's National Day, affirming North Korea's full support for Russia's policies. This reflects the increasingly close relationship following the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty.
On 12 June 2026, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message to President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia's National Day, affirming North Korea's firm support for Russia's domestic and foreign policies.
In the message, Kim Jong Un stated that the relationship between North Korea and Russia is progressing towards a strong alliance and mutual trust as close comrades, opening a new chapter in the history of cooperation between the two countries.
The North Korean leader also noted that the closer ties result from both sides fulfilling their obligations under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, which he and Putin signed during the summit in Pyongyang in June 2024. He emphasized North Korea's unwavering determination to fully support Russia's government policies and to always stand alongside Russia.
The report indicated that the message dated 12 June was delivered by Sin Hong Chol, North Korea's ambassador to Russia, during a meeting with officials from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea, published the message prominently on its front page on Friday.
Additionally, the newspaper featured a special article commemorating Russia's National Day, highlighting the country's progress in various fields, including agriculture and the military.
The day before, Russian embassy officials in Pyongyang, led by acting Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Topekha, laid a wreath at the Liberation Tower, a memorial to Soviet soldiers who fought alongside Japan during World War II, and held a reception in honor of Russia's National Day, attended by senior North Korean officials.
. Source: Yonhap