Putin says Russia, North Korea coordinating on regional security, KCNA reports
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- Russian President Putin told North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that both countries are coordinating efforts to ensure regional security and stability.
- Kim Jong Un honoured Soviet soldiers at Pyongyang’s Liberation Tower, highlighting historic ties between North Korea and Russia.
- The deepening Russia-North Korea relationship raises international concern due to North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
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SEOUL – Russian President Vladimir Putin told North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that Moscow and Pyongyang were actively cooperating across all areas and coordinating efforts to ensure regional security and stability, North Korean state media KCNA said on Aug 15.
In a message to Kim marking the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Putin said he was confident Russia and North Korea would continue “constructive joint work” on urgent bilateral and international issues, KCNA reported.
Kim had visited Pyongyang’s Liberation Tower on Aug 14 to pay tribute to Soviet soldiers who fought against Japan in World War II, KCNA reported.
A wreath at the tower in Kim’s name bore the words: “We do not forget the feats of the Soviet army martyrs.”
Kim said the legacy of blood ties and combat friendship between North Korea and Russia had become a cornerstone of their expanding relations, KCNA reported.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev also sent Kim greetings, KCNA said.
The messages and Kim’s visit underscore deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, which have drawn international concern over North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said Russia uses North Korean missiles against Ukraine. He has accused Pyongyang of providing Moscow with missiles and ammunition, and of promising more troops for the war effort.
Analysts have said Pyongyang is seeking to frame north-east Asia as a contest between rival blocs to justify its weapons programmes and strengthen backing from Beijing and Moscow. REUTERS
