Official announcements from North Korean and Russian defense ministries

Kim Jong Un Calls Putin 'Dearest Friend,' Vows to Strengthen Strategic Partnership in New Year's Message

Dec 31, 2024, 04:53 AM

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent a New Year's message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing his commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia. In the letter, Kim referred to Putin as his 'dearest friend and comrade' and extended his greetings to the 'fraternal Russian people' and the 'brave Russian army.' He expressed hopes that 2025 would be a year of victory for Russia, specifically mentioning the defeat of 'neo-Nazism' and achieving a 'great victory.' This message comes amidst deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, which have been bolstered since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kim also expressed readiness to design and advance new projects between the two nations following their 'meaningful journey' in 2024.