Exchanging Letters with Russian President Putin, North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un: Both Countries Will Emerge as Winners

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Wikimedia Commons/The Presidential Press and Information Office/Kremlin.ru)

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged mutual support, developing strategic ties between the two countries, in a letter exchange that the two leaders carried out, according to Pyongyang's state media KCNA.

The letters mark the 78th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese rule in 1910-45, which is also celebrated as a national holiday in South Korea.

In his letter to President Putin, Chairman Kim said the friendship the two countries had forged since World War II with the victory over Japan, now "fully demonstrated their strength and invincibility in the struggle to destroy the arbitrary practices and hegemony of the imperialists," said KCNA.

"I firmly believe that friendship and solidarity... will be further developed into a long-term strategic relationship that fits the demands of the new era," Leader Kim said in the letter, reported by Reuters, August 15.

"The two countries will always emerge victorious, fully support and cooperate with each other in achieving common goals and struggles," he continued in the letter.

Meanwhile, President Putin in his message to Leader Kim, also promised to improve bilateral relations.

"I am sure that we will strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields, for the sake of the prosperity of the two countries and the stability and security of the Korean peninsula and all of Northeast Asia," President Putin said, quoted by KCNA.

It is known, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu led a high-level delegation to Pyongyang, then side by side with Leader Kim while reviewing North Korea's latest missile and drone exhibition, as well as side by side during the Victory Day parade in Pyongyang.