Putin’s message to the North Korean people

Russian President Vladimir Putin published an article in the North Korean state newspaper: Rodong Sinmunhailing the cooperation between the two nations on the eve of his visit to the country and his meeting with its leader, Kim Jong Un.

Rodong Sinmun is the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Putin’s article is a rare example of a foreign leader contributing to North Korea’s tightly controlled media, reflecting strengthening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang and likely to frame any future support North Korea provides to the Russia as part of a common struggle against the West.

In the article titled “Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: The tradition of friendship and cooperation lasts decade after decade,” Putin said he wanted to inform readers about the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and from abroad from the perspective of a partnership between the two countries and its importance in today’s world before he makes a state visit, as reported KCNA Watch.

Putin’s article reflected on the historical roots of relations between the two countries, highlighting the role played by the Soviet Union in the creation of the DPRK in 1948 and the fact that the Soviet Union had been the first country to establish relations diplomatic relations with North Korea.

“Friendly and good-neighborly relations between Russia and the DPRK, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust, last for more than 70 years and are recorded within the framework of a glorious historical tradition” , says the article, reported by KCNA Watch.

“The people of the two countries treasure the memory of the bitter joint struggle against Japanese militarism and pay tribute to the heroes who fell victim to it. The monument on Moran Hill erected in the center of Pyongyang in 1946 to commemorate the liberation of North Korea by the Red Army is a symbol of the militant friendship between the people of the two countries. The Soviet Union recognized the young DPRK for the first time in the world and established diplomatic relations with the DPRK. Mr. Putin said.

The Russian president, arriving in the secretive country on Wednesday for his first visit in nearly a quarter of a century local time, underscored the continued relevance of that legacy, emphasizing relations in areas such as trade and economics.

“We firmly believe that our joint efforts will bring bilateral cooperation to a higher level, which will contribute to the development of reciprocal and equal cooperation between Russia and the DPRK, strengthening our sovereignty, deepening economic and commercial relations, to the development of ties in the two countries in the field of humanitarianism and, therefore, improving the well-being of the citizens of both states.

In his post, Putin also thanked North Korea for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We greatly appreciate that the DPRK firmly supports Russia’s special military operations in Ukraine, expresses solidarity with us on major international issues, and maintains the common line and position at the UN.”

Putin has expressed a shared vision of mutual growth and stability in the face of perceived international challenges, notably those from the United States. As reported by Institute for the Study of War, Putin suggested that Western states are common adversaries of Russia and North Korea and that Russia, like North Korea, maintains its strong economy and independence despite Western sanctions. He also praised Pyongyang’s long-term struggle against the West.

“We are pleased that the friends of the DPRK are very effectively defending their interests despite the decades-long economic pressures, provocations, blackmail and military threats from the United States… In essence, the United States is doing all the desperate efforts to impose the so-called “rules-based order” on the world, which is nothing more than a global neocolonialist dictatorship based on “double standards,” Putin wrote.

“The United States and its supporters openly claim that their goal is to inflict ‘strategic defeat’ on Russia… But despite their desperate efforts, all their attempts to suppress and isolate Russia have been in vain.”

Putin then wished the North Korean people success, saying: “The people of the DPRK are fighting to defend their freedom, sovereignty and national traditions with great strength, dignity and courage. »

The Russian leader’s contribution to Rodong Sinmun reflects an effort to show solidarity with North Korean leader Kim at a time when both countries face increasing isolation and sanctions from Western countries, pushing them toward greater dependence on each other. ‘other.

News week contacted the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in London on Wednesday with a written request for comment.