Putin congratulates Kim Jong-un on DPRK’s establishment anniversary

Russian President Vladimir Putin was one of the first foreign leaders who congratulated Kim Jong-un on the 71th anniversary of establishing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), TASS reported citing the Korean Central News Agency.

"Dear Mr. Kim Jong-un, please accept my sincere congratulations on occasion of the 71th anniversary of the DPRK’s establishment," Putin said in his congratulatory telegram. "The relations between the Russian Federation and the DPRK are friendly and constructive and this was fully confirmed by our April meeting in Vladivostok."

"I’m convinced that further development of bilateral dialogue and cooperation in various areas meets the core interests of our peoples and serves the goal of enhancing security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia in general," Putin emphasized. "I wish you strong health and success, and happiness and well-being to all North Korean citizens."