Putin and Xi Jinping Send Congratulatory Message to Kim Jong-un on North Korea's Founding Anniversary

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the country's leader Kim Jong-un on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, which was celebrated on September 9.

According to the statement made by the Pyongyang administration, Putin praised North Korea's development in recent years and said, "In the past years, your country has achieved remarkable socio-economic successes and significantly strengthened its position on the world stage."

'I WILL CONTINUE WORKING WITH YOU'

Emphasizing that Moscow-Pyongyang relations are based on friendship, neighborliness and mutual assistance, Putin said, "Undoubtedly, I will continue to work with you to further consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between our countries." Putin said that strong bilateral relations, which are in the interest of both the people of Russia and North Korea, will also contribute to efforts to ensure regional security and create a more equitable, multipolar world order.

'OUR UNSHAKEABLE POLICY'

In his message, Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed his congratulations to Kim on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese government. Emphasizing that the efforts of the North Korean people have accelerated the country's progress and that Kim has successfully led this process, Xi said, "Especially in recent years, you have achieved a number of development successes by leading your country and people and focusing on economic and social construction. The Chinese side is sincerely pleased with this."

Describing China and North Korea as "socialist neighbors who share similar fates", Xi said: "It is the unshakable policy of the CCP and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-North Korea relations." Reminding that he visited North Korea in June this year and met with Kim to open a new page in bilateral relations, Xi said, "I am ready to work together with you to accelerate mutual cooperation and development, improve the welfare of our peoples and strengthen friendship, and also make greater contributions to regional and global peace, stability, development and prosperity."