Kim Jong Un says Putin is building “a powerful Russia”.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is building a “powerful” Russia through his “energetic activities” and expressed his desire to develop bilateral relations between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Kim said this in a letter sent to Putin on the occasion of the Russian president’s 70th birthday, in which he praised him for assuming “great responsibility” during his years as head of state, as reported by KCNA.

“Today, Russia reliably defends the dignity of the state and its fundamental interests from the challenges and threats of the United States and its vassal forces. Such a reality is unthinkable without its distinguished leadership and strong will,” the North Korean leader assured.

He has also expressed satisfaction with the mutual support and cooperation between North Korea and Russia, a relationship that would have been strengthened “like never before” three years after the first meeting between Kim and Putin in 2019.

All in all, the North Korean leader has expressed his hope that the personal ties between him and the Russian president will “play a more important role” in the continued consolidation and development of the friendship between the two countries.