Despite international condemnation for Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his full support for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday.
The Russian people have “achieved great successes in accomplishing the just cause of defending the dignity and security of their country, while braving all sorts of challenges and hardships”, Kim said this in a message to Putin on Russia Day, according to Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
“The Korean people extend full support and encouragement to them.”
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim’s apparent reference to the unprovoked attack against Ukraine as a “just cause” for defending Russia’s security is the latest sign of the two countries‘ decades-long close bilateral ties.
Despite growing international condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Pyongyang has recently emphasised its close ties with Moscow.
Kim also expressed confidence that friendly relations will continue to strengthen in all areas, including the “journey for defending international justice and ensuring global security,” according to the KCNA.
In 2019, Kim met Putin for the first time in Vladivostok, Russia’s far eastern city.
