Leader Kim Jong-un said his country will always support Russia, and complimented his counterpart in a letter published by state media.
Ties between the two countries have grown closer since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Pyongyang dispatching ground troops and weapons systems to aid Russia’s war effort.
Analysts say the assistance has been provided in exchange for Russia’s provision of food and weapons technology.
“I express my sincere thanks to you for sending warm and sincere congratulations first on my reassumption of the heavy duty as President of the State Affairs,” Kim said in the message on Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency said yesterday.
“Today, the DPRK and Russia are closely cooperating to defend the sovereignty of the two countries,” Kim said, using the initials of the North’s official name.
“Pyongyang will always be with Moscow. This is our choice and unshakable will,” he added.
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies have estimated that the North has sent thousands of soldiers to Russia, primarily to the Kursk region.
The agencies also noted that the North had sent artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems to Russia. — AFP
