North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, hailing their countries’ “immortal” friendship and expressing support for Moscow’s global ambitions. In a message published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim wished 73-year-old Putin a happy birthday, lauding his “wise leadership” and “patriotic devotion.” He called Russia a “world power” demonstrating “glory” and leading efforts to build a “multi-polarized world.”
Kim pledged Pyongyang’s commitment to the June 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty with Russia, which includes a mutual defense clause. The agreement stipulates that if either nation faces an “armed invasion,” the other will provide “military and other assistance… without delay.” Kim affirmed Pyongyang’s support for Russia’s “just struggle for defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests,” vowing to “remain faithful” to the treaty.
The North Korean leader also highlighted cooperation between his country’s forces and Russian troops in the Kursk Region, where they repelled a large-scale Ukrainian incursion. Putin had previously praised Pyongyang’s role in what he termed a “joint fight against modern neo-Nazism.” Kim reiterated that “Pyongyang and Moscow will always stand together” and their friendship would be “immortal.”
