Kim Jong-un congratulated his “dearest friend” Putin on his birthday

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un became one of the few international leaders to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on his 72nd birthday. In a congratulatory telegram, the Korean leader called his Russian colleague “his dearest friend.”

“For many years, you have taken on a difficult and sacred responsibility and duty in the name of the prosperity of Russia and the improvement of the well-being of the Russian people. And with energetic, wise leadership, you have achieved remarkable successes on the path to decisively protect the sovereignty, security and development interests of the country, to build a strong Russia , for which you enjoy the unlimited trust and support of the Russian people,” the telegram says.

“And now I remember with pleasure June 19, when you and I in Pyongyang proclaimed to the whole world the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries, and thereby elevated traditional Korean-Russian relations to the rank of indestructible allied and strategic relations for eternity, a common ideal which the realization of independence and justice serves, also further strengthened our feeling of friendship,” adds the Korean dictator.

I have no doubt that you will lead great Russia with full energy to a single path of victory and glory, as always. Taking this opportunity, I once again assure you of our comprehensive and selfless support and solidarity with the just cause of the Russian army and people… Pyongyang will always be together with Moscow,” says Kim Jong-un.