Correspondence
Kim Jong Un sends New Year’s greetings to “best friend” Putin
Since the Ukraine war, Russia and North Korea have deepened their relations. At the turn of the year, the rulers of both countries are said to have written to each other.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described Russian President Vladimir Putin as his “best friend and comrade” in a New Year’s message. Kim sent “warm greetings and best wishes to the Russian fraternal people and all members of the brave Russian army” “on behalf of the Korean people” and the North Korean armed forces, the state news agency KCNA reported on Tuesday.
After the “significant trip” between the two countries last year, the North Korean ruler expressed his willingness to “design and advance new projects,” it said.
Putin and Kim Jong Un claim personal closeness
The two countries have deepened their political, military and cultural ties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin and Kim repeatedly assert their personal closeness. During Putin’s visit to North Korea in June, both signed a defense agreement in which they promised each other military assistance in the event of an external attack.
In his letter to Putin, Kim expressed his hope that the Russian army and people “defeat neo-Nazism and achieve a great victory” – possibly a reference to the war in Ukraine.
Support in the Ukraine war
The USA and South Korea accuse North Korea of supporting Russia by sending more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers to fight Ukraine. According to analysts, Kim hopes in return for advanced technology from Moscow and combat experience for his soldiers.
According to North Korean state media, Kim also received a New Year’s message from Putin in which the Russian president praised bilateral relations.
AFP
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Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
