October 12 marked the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the Russian Federation.

The bilateral relationship, which marked its beginning in the joint struggle of the anti-Japanese war, entered a new historic stage of its development along with the founding of the DPRK. Just after the Korean people founded their genuine independent, sovereign state by their own efforts, the Soviet Union was the first to establish diplomatic relations with the DPRK.

Afterwards, the two countries strengthened the bond of friendship as they closely cooperated with each other in different fields including politics, the economy and culture on the principles of independence, equality and mutual benefit.

President Kim Il Sung consolidated the ties of friendship as he frequently met with the state leaders of the Soviet Union.

Chairman Kim Jong Il paid visits to the Russian Federation on several occasions to bolster up the bilateral ties. In those days, the DPRK-Russia joint declaration and Moscow declaration were adopted, which marked a historic milestone in promoting the development of relations between the two countries and ensuring peace and security in the region and the rest of the world.

Today, the bilateral ties have reached a new higher stage.

In order to bolster up the bilateral ties of friendship in line with the requirements of the new era and the new situation, Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un paid an official visit to the Russian Federation in April 2019 and met with Russian President Putin for the first time, thereby deepening bilateral strategic communication.

The meeting of the top leaders is of great importance in further consolidating and soundly developing the relations of friendship between the two countries with a long history and tradition.

It is the consistent stand of the DPRK government to boost the bilateral strategic and traditional ties in conformity with the demand of the new era and the interests of the peoples of the two countries.

At present, DPRK-Russia relations are developing in line with the common aspirations and interests of their peoples.

The Korean people are pleased to see remarkable successes made by the Russian counterparts in their efforts to tackle the spread of COVID-19 as early as possible, protect the people’s lives and security and the country’s economy and build a powerful Russia.

The DPRK and Russia with the common goals of opposing foreign interference and pressure and defending the country’s sovereignty will continue to expand and develop the traditional ties of friendship in the future, too.