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North Korea Vows to Deepen Ties with Russia in Victory Day Message

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia's Victory Day, reaffirming Pyongyang's commitment to prioritizing ties with Moscow. Kim expressed satisfaction with the current shared history and pledged to faithfully fulfill obligations under the interstate treaty. In June 2024, Kim and Putin signed a comprehensive strategic partnership, reviving a Cold War-era military alliance and leading to North Korea deploying 15,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine. Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov recently discussed military cooperation with Kim, agreeing to transition to a sustainable long-term basis and planning a 2027-2031 cooperation plan.

Key Points: North Korea Reaffirms Russia Ties on Victory Day

  • Kim sends congratulations to Putin on Victory Day
  • North Korea prioritizes deepening ties with Russia
  • 2024 treaty revived Cold War-era military alliance
  • Pyongyang deployed 15,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine
  • Military cooperation plan for 2027-2031 discussed
2 min read

North Korea reaffirms commitment to deepening ties with Russia in Victory Day message

Kim Jong-un sends Victory Day message to Putin, pledging to prioritize and develop the alliance-like strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia.

"Reaffirming the stand... to give top priority to and steadily develop the alliance-like comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries. - Kim Jong-un"

Seoul, May 9

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia's Victory Day celebration, reaffirming Pyongyang's commitment to prioritising and deepening ties with Moscow, state media reported Saturday.

Kim extended his "sincerest congratulations" on the occasion of the 81st Victory Day and expressed satisfaction with the current "brilliant history of independence, dignity, peace and prosperity" shared by the two countries, according to the North's state media, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"Reaffirming the stand of the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to give top priority to and steadily develop the alliance-like comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries, I affirm once again that we will always faithfully fulfil the obligations under the inter-state treaty between the DPRK and Russia," Kim said, using the North's official name.

In June 2024, Kim and Putin signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty, effectively reviving the two countries' Cold War-era military alliance, reports Yonhap news agency.

After the signing, Pyongyang deployed around 15,000 combat troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine and deepened bilateral cooperation on multiple fronts.

Earlier on April 26, Kim Jong-un and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov held talks in Pyongyang on Sunday, Russian media reported.

They discussed the current state and prospects of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, state-owned news agency TASS reported.

Defence Minister Belousov said: "We agreed with the DPRK Ministry of Defence to transition military cooperation to a sustainable, long-term basis. We are ready to sign a Russian-Korean Military Cooperation Plan for the period 2027-2031 this year."

He also noted that it was a great honour to meet with the leader of North Korea, and thanked him for the traditionally warm welcome extended to the Russian delegation in Pyongyang.

He highlighted that Russian-Korean interstate relations "are at an unprecedentedly high level".

Belousov stated that the North Korean leader's decision to invite a Russian military delegation to the opening of a museum and memorial complex is highly appreciated by the Russian Ministry of Defence. "It is a great honour and privilege for us to take part in this historic event."

"The current year promises to be no less eventful in terms of bilateral contacts in a wide range of areas."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
North Korea and Russia reviving Cold War-era alliance? That's concerning for global stability. India must tread carefully - we have historically good ties with both Moscow and Washington. Can't afford to be caught in the middle of another bloc politics.
P
Priya S
Interesting how Kim Jong-un is positioning North Korea as Russia's ally. Meanwhile, India maintains strategic autonomy. But given our dependence on Russian arms and energy, we should strengthen our own manufacturing - Atmanirbhar Bharat is key! ✌️
V
Vikram M
Russia-North Korea military cooperation plan until 2031 is a long-term commitment. India needs to diversify its defense partnerships. We can't rely too heavily on any single country - be it Russia, US, or Israel. National security requires multiple options.
S
Siddharth J
While North Korea aligns with Russia, the world is fragmenting into new blocs. India's non-alignment policy needs a refresh - maybe 'multi-alignment' is the way forward. Engage with all, but commit to none fully. That's our strength.
A
Ananya R
All these geopolitical maneuvers in East Asia affect India indirectly - through our Look East policy and Act East initiatives. We need to strengthen ties with ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea as counterbalance. Diplomacy is all about options! 😊
K
Kavya N

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