Russian President, Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday in Beijing, eulogized the North Korean soldiers deployed to the battlefront in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Putin held talks with the Head of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un, after the duo attended the 80th anniversary of China’s Victory Day.
Putin characterized the bond between the two countries as an alliance of special mutual trust and applauded the “valor and heroism” of the Korean soldiers in the operation to liberate the Kursk region.
In 2024, North Korea sent thousands of troops to assist Russia in the war with Ukraine. The personnel included three generals, special forces, and 500 officers, who were trained in Ussuriysk and Ulan-Ude, among other places.
President Putin said that Russia will never forget the sacrifices of the Korean soldiers, and asked Jong Un to convey the appreciation of Russians to the Korean people, KCNA reported.
Jong Un, at the meeting attended by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, reassured Putin that Pyongyang will support Moscow in defense of its security interests.
The North Korean leader restated the dynamic expansion and development partnership between the DPRK and the Russian Federation in all areas following the completion of an interstate treaty.
Jong Un promised that his nation will, as a fraternal duty, continue to support the struggle of the government, the army, and the people of Russia and its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders also discussed international and regional issues, the long-term plans for cooperation between both countries, and affirmed their preparedness to strengthen bilateral relations at a high level.
