Mr. Kim Jong-un (left) and Mr. Putin in Vladivostok, Russia, in April 2019
In a congratulatory message to Mr. Putin on Russia's National Day, published by the North Korean news agency KCNA on June 12, Mr. Kim expressed his commitment to "holding hands" with the Russian President and strengthening strategic cooperation for the common goal of building a powerful country.
According to Mr. Kim, the friendly relations between North Korea and Russia are a "valuable strategic asset" and Pyongyang will make unceasing efforts to cultivate that relationship.
Mr Kim also defended Mr Putin's decision to launch a "special military operation" in Ukraine, expressing Pyongyang's "absolute support and solidarity". According to the North Korean leader, the war in Ukraine has entered a "decisive new phase".
North Korea has tightened ties with the Kremlin and backed Moscow after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine erupted in late February last year, blaming what it sees as the "hegemonic policy" of the United States and the West for the war.
June 12 is Russia's national day, marking the adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation on June 12, 1990.
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