The traditional relations of friendship between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK) and the Russian Federation, that have withstood the trials of history and grown through the increased mutual understanding and trust and bonds of unity, are now being strengthened and developed as required by the new era. It is against this background that we greet the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties with the Russian Federation.

The DPRK-Russia friendship – invaluable and priceless asset personally provided for and handed down by the preceding leaders of the two countries – is friendly relations forged with the affections of comrades-in-arms in the common front of anti-imperialist struggle.

Even today, the peoples of two countries keep with high emotions in their hearts the noble spirit of the anti-Japanese revolutionaries who smashed the Japanese imperialists in hearty response to the line set forth by the great President Kim Il Sung on defending the Soviet Union, the first socialist state, with arms during the grim days of anti-Japanese war, and the feats of heroic officers and men of Red Army who shed their hot blood on the fierce battlefields for liberating Korea.

Since the founding of the DPRK till the last moment of his life, the great President Kim Il Sung rendered tireless devotion and efforts to consolidating and developing the friendly relations between the two countries on the principles of independence, equality and mutual benefits.

And the great Chairman Kim Jong Il provided a historic milestone for opening up bright prospect of development of friendship between the DPRK and the Russian Federation through his energetic external activities.

The DPRK-Russian relationship, oriented towards independence and justice, is now strengthened and developed into a new high stage thanks to the deep attention and efforts by the supreme leaders of the two countries.

Kim Jong Un , Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, through the historic DPRK-Russia summit meeting held in April last year, forged good personal relations with President Putin and provided a momentous occasion which would enable the friendly relations between the DPRK and the Russian Federation to develop on a more stable and proactive basis as befits the new century.

The respected Kim Jong Un said at the meeting with President Putin that elevating the DPRK-Russia relations onto a new high level as required by the new era by inheriting the noble tradition is the due responsibility assumed before the era and history and expressed his resolve to open up a new heyday in the development of DPRK-Russia relations, upholding the intentions of the preceding leaders.

In recent years, mutual understanding and bonds have further deepened and high-level visits and contacts between the two countries for intensifying the strategic joint actions increased, and the cooperation and exchanges in various fields were successfully realized.

Today, the friendly Russian people are waging a vigorous struggle to build a strong and prosperous Russia, braving through the challenges of all sorts at home and abroad under the leadership of President Putin.

The Russian Federation have exerted great efforts to make all the recent celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War into an occasion of imbuing all the people with patriotism and spirit of safeguarding the country.

Having formed a new government early this year, followed by successful local elections, Russia continues to make strenuous efforts to lay a solid foundation for stable development of the country through the amendment of its Constitution.

Our people are delighted by the great achievements made in all fields by the friendly people of Russia and sincerely hope that the Russian Federation would score great successes in the building of a powerful state and in the immediate anti-epidemic efforts against Covid-19.

The DPRK government remains steadfast in its stand to invariably strengthen and develop the strategic and traditional DPRK-Russia relations of friendship onto a new high stage as required by the new century.

We will, in the future too, further strengthen and develop the DPRK-Russia relations of friendship in conformity with the aspirations and desires of the peoples of the two countries, and always advance hand in hand along the path to ensuring peace and stability in the region and safeguarding the genuine international justice.