Kim Jong-un Determined To Continue To Strengthen North Korea's Relations With Russia

Leader Kim Jong-un visited the training center of the North Korae special forces. (Source: KCNA)

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to further strengthen relations with Russia in a speech on Thursday to commemorate Russia's Victory Day on May 9.

During a visit to the Russian Federation Embassy in Pyongyang, Kim reiterated North Korea's determination "to gradually consolidate and develop a long tradition of North Korean and Russian relations," according to a Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) report.

Kim also promised to continue to foster "a noble ideological base and unbeaten fellowship" between North Korea and Russia.

Victory day in Russia and a number of other countries, including the former state of the Soviet Union, was to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, or what they refer to as "The Great Patriotic War".

Meanwhile, according to North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, Kim's actions reflect a strong determination to actively advance sovereignty and honor between the two countries.

Kim also wants to promote "peace and happiness of the people as well as regional peace and security with the strength of North Korea-Russia relations which have become a relationship between friends in true struggles and strategic relationships with eternal values in the new era," said Foreign Minister Choe.

The Russian Ambassador to North Korea expressed President Vladimir Putin's appreciation for the "threat, willing spirit of sacrifice, and efficient combat power" of North Korean soldiers sent to Russia.

He also expressed his gratitude to the people of North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un.

Earlier in April, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent troops to support Moscow in the Russian-Ukraine war. North Korea said it was done based on a joint defense treaty with Russia.