Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin used messages marking the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's 78th founding anniversary to reaffirm close strategic ties with Pyongyang, North Korean state media reported.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Xi told North Korean leader Kim Jong Un he was willing to "continue strengthening strategic guidance" of China-North Korea relations and to work with Kim to advance the two countries' development. Xi also framed the strengthening and development of bilateral ties as the Chinese ruling party and government's "consistent and unwavering policy."
In a separate communication, Putin said he would pursue the "closest joint work" with Kim to further deepen what he described as the countries' comprehensive strategic partnership. Putin added that closer Russia-North Korea ties would contribute to regional security and to what he called a "more just, multipolar world order."
The messages from Xi and Putin were carried on the front page of the Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun, the official organ of North Korea's ruling party, KCNA said.
KCNA also reported that Kim received congratulatory messages from the leaders of several other countries as North Korea observed the September 9 anniversary of its founding in 1948. The agency listed Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Mongolia, Sweden, Belarus, Singapore, Switzerland and Zimbabwe among the senders.
Context and coverage notes
This coverage is based on statements published by North Korean state media. The messages from Xi and Putin emphasize continued strategic cooperation and formal commitments to deepen bilateral ties; KCNA's dispatch also records a series of international congratulatory notes received by Kim on the anniversary.
What is included in the official reports
- Xi's pledge to "continue strengthening strategic guidance" of China-North Korea relations and to work with Kim to advance the development of both countries.
- Putin's promise of the "closest joint work" to reinforce the comprehensive strategic partnership, and his statement that stronger ties would support regional security and a "more just, multipolar world order."
- The publication of Xi and Putin's messages on the front page of Rodong Sinmun, and KCNA's list of other leaders who sent congratulations on the September 9, 1948 founding anniversary.