Chinese, Russian leaders congratulate North Korea on National Day

An art program to celebrate North Korea's National Day. Source: AFP

Yonhap quoted North Korean state media as saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to leader Kim Jong-un on September 9 on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of North Korea's National Day, affirming China's "unshakable policy" to further tighten ties with Pyongyang.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted President Xi Jinping's message as saying: "The Chinese Party and government attach high priority to the friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK, and it is the unshakable policy of the Chinese Party and government to successfully safeguard, consolidate and develop the bilateral relations."

The Sept. 9 anniversary, which marks the founding of the North Korean government in 1948, comes after relations between North Korea and China have warmed significantly this year since leader Kim Jong-un reached out to the outside world, including South Korea and the United States, after years of missile and nuclear provocations.

In addition, KCNA said Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to leader Kim Jong-un and reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to further developing relations with Pyongyang. According to KCNA, President Putin "expressed confidence that bilateral dialogue and constructive multifaceted cooperation will further expand thanks to joint efforts."

Mr. Putin also announced that he will contribute to strengthening stability and security on the Korean Peninsula as well as the Northeast Asian region in general./.