Pyongyang: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have extended congratulatory messages to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the occasion of North Korea's national founding anniversary, signaling their intent to bolster "strategic" relations with Pyongyang, as reported by North Korea's state media on Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the messages from Xi and Putin coincide with North Korea's celebration of the 78th anniversary of its founding, established on September 9, 1948, by Kim Il-sung, the current leader's grandfather. In his message, Xi acknowledged the "development successes" achieved by Kim in recent years, emphasizing the importance of economic and social construction. Xi reiterated that it is a steadfast policy of China to maintain and enhance relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Xi referred to his visit to Pyongyang in June, describing it as a milestone that opened "a new chapter" in the bilateral ties. He expressed a commitment to collaborating with Kim to expedite the development of party and state affairs in both countries.
Putin, in his message, recognized North Korea's "remarkable successes" in the socio-economic arena and its strengthening position on the global stage. He highlighted that the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has consistently been built on friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual assistance.
Putin expressed his dedication to "further consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership" with North Korea, indicating that such cooperation aligns with the interests of both nations and contributes to regional security and the establishment of a "more just and multi-polarized world order."
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) further reported that Kim Jong-un has received congratulatory messages from other global leaders, including those from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Mongolia, Sweden, Belarus, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Singapore, and Equatorial Guinea.