The establishment of ties with the then Soviet Union after the founding of the DPRK became a firm guarantee for consolidating the friendly ties between the two countries, which were united in blood and combat comradeship during the days of the anti-Japanese war, the letter stated.

The DPRK leader recalled that the bilateral ties have always followed the path of friendship, unity and good neighborliness, overcoming all the difficulties and trials of history.

Today these relations are moving forward in a steady manner and with hopes of a prosperous future. I extend my warm congratulations to the government and people of the Russian Federation on behalf of the government and people of the DPRK, Kim said.

I am very pleased that during my recent official and friendly visit to Russia, I was able to exchange with Comrade Putin on the multilateral development of the DPRK-Russia friendship, he added.

The DPRK top leader expressed his wishes for Russia’s “solidification of a powerful state and victory in its struggle to defend its sovereignty by defeating the imperialists’ policy”.

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