Putin declared an “unprecedented level of partnership” between Russia and North Korea

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Liberation Day and declared that relations between Moscow and Pyongyang had reached an “unprecedentedly high level.”

The North Korean state news agency KCNA reported this on August 15.

In his message, Putin stated that the basis of friendly relations between the two countries was the joint struggle of Korean patriots and Red Army soldiers against the Japanese occupation.

According to the Russian dictator, the “traditions of militant friendship and mutual assistance” that developed at that time became the basis for the further development of relations between Russia and the DPRK.

Putin noted that bilateral ties have now been “elevated to an unprecedentedly high level of comprehensive strategic partnership.” Moscow and Pyongyang, he said, are cooperating in various areas, including regional security.

The Russian leader also stated his intention to continue coordinating positions with the DPRK on bilateral and international issues and to work together to create a “more just and truly democratic world order.”

At the end of his message, Putin wished Kim Jong-un good health and success, and the citizens of North Korea happiness and prosperity.

Earlier, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called on North Korea to begin talks to end the war and discuss ending Pyongyang’s nuclear development.