Following Russia And Syria, North Korea Recognizes Independence Of The Donetsk People's Republic

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives Natalya Nikonorova. (Twitter/@dpr_mfa)

JAKARTA - North Korea has recognized the independence of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), said DPR leader Denis Pushilin, Wednesday, becoming the third country after recognition from Russia and Syria.

"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea recognized the Donetsk People's Republic today," he wrote on Telegram, quoted from TASS on July 14.

"The international status of the Donetsk People's Republic and its statehood continues to strengthen. This is another diplomatic victory for us," added Pushilin.

On the occasion, he thanked North Korea for its "great support for the people of Donbass."

"This political decision will also provide the basis for the future development of economic relations. The bilateral partnership will allow our companies to expand their trade. I look forward to active and fruitful cooperation," said Pushilin.

Earlier, DPR Foreign Minister Natalya Nikonorova said on July 12 that talks were ongoing with North Korea on the DPR's recognition.

Pyongyang's move makes them the third country after Russia and Syria to recognize two breakaway entities, Donetsk (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), in Ukraine's Donbas region.

Meanwhile, the DPR Embassy in Moscow posted a photo on its Telegram channel of the ceremony in which North Korea's ambassador to Moscow, Sin Hong-chol, presented a certificate of recognition to DPR envoy Olga Makeyeva, citing Reuters.

As for North Korea's state media, KCNA confirmed on Thursday, that the country's foreign minister Choe Son Hui sent a letter to her counterparts in the two regions on Wednesday, acknowledging their independence.

"In the letters, she expressed a desire to develop international relations with those countries on the idea of independence, peace, and friendship," KCNA wrote.

Ukraine immediately cut ties with Pyongyang over the move. However, the confession was welcomed by some residents of Donetsk living in the self-proclaimed "republic".

"Of course I'm happy," said Olga, who declined to give her surname.

"Let more people recognize us, so everyone knows we're here," she continued.

Anastasia, who also declined to give her surname, told Reuters the more countries that recognize the entity, the less likely Kyiv is to retake control of territory seized by Russian-backed separatists and the Russian armed forces.

"Step by step we are joining the world stage," she said.

North Korea previously expressed support for Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.