Kim Jong Un wants to strengthen partnership with Russia

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has declared his desire to strengthen "strategic cooperation" with Russia and promised to "hold Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's hand tightly".

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the DPRK state media KCNA.

Thus, Kim sent Putin congratulations on “Russia's Day”, in which he expressed "full support and solidarity" to the Russian people. He also said that Russia is allegedly " implementing the sacred cause to preserve the sovereign rights, development and interests of their country against the imperialists' high-handed and arbitrary practices and to realize the international justice".

Afterward, the DPRK leader said he was ready for closer strategic cooperation with Russia.

"Kim Jong Un in his message affirmed his willingness to strive for closer strategic cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, holding hands firmly with the Russian president," the statement said.

It should be noted that back in July last year, the DPRK recognized the so-called "LPR" and "DPR," after which Ukraine broke off diplomatic relations with the country. And in August, Putin wrote to Kim that their two countries would "work together to expand comprehensive and constructive bilateral relations".

Later, the U.S. State Department said that the Russian Federation was exploring options for cooperation with the DPRK in the production of key resources for warfare. In January 2023, the Pentagon reported that Russia was asking North Korea to provide ballistic missiles, but no such agreements have been reached so far.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 12/06/2023