In his letter, Kim extended warm and sincere congratulations to Putin, while appreciating the head of state’s work in his strategic goal of building a powerful Russia on the global stage.

Russia is steadfastly defending the dignity and fundamental interests of the state, thwarting the threats of the U.S. and its follower forces, which is inconceivable without the outstanding leadership and strong will of the Russian dignitary, the North Korean president stressed.

Kim also expressed satisfaction that the bilateral cooperation in the struggle to take the traditional friendly relations between Pyongyang and Moscow to a new and higher stage has been boosted more than ever before.

Hoping that the personal ties between us will play a greater role in consolidating and developing the Korea-Russia friendship, I wish Vladimir Putin health and happiness and further success in his responsibilities for the prosperity of Russia, he concluded.

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