Kim receives New Year's message from Putin that hails 'heroic' dispatch of N. Korean troops in war against Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message of greeting to mark New Year's Day to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, hailing the North's "heroic" dispatch of troops in Russia's war against Ukraine, the North's state media said Thursday. Kim received the message on Dec. 18, in which Putin extended "wholehearted congratulations" on the occasion of the new year, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. "The past one year was of special significance in the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang," Putin said, referring to the entry of North Korean troops in Russia's war with Ukraine. This "clearly proved the invincible friendship and militant fraternity" between the countries, Putin said. Putin also recalled the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty the two countries have signed, adding, "This has contributed to expanding remarkably the productive, bilateral cooperation in political, trade, economic, human and other fields. "I am convinced that we will in the future, too, strengthen the relations of friendship and alliance in every way and conduct constructive cooperation on rWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times