Leader Kim Jong-un writes thank you letter to President Putin

On April 18, the North Korean leader sent a telegram to the Russian President in response to the Russian leader's previous congratulations on the occasion of Kim Jong-un's re-election as Chairman of the State Council of North Korea. In the telegram, Mr. Kim thanked Mr. Putin for his warm congratulations.

"I intend to closely cooperate with the Russian government to consistently develop the traditionally friendly relations between the DPRK and Russia and ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the world in accordance with the requirements of the new era," KCNA quoted the telegram as saying.

Kim Jong-un also noted that the further development and strengthening of friendly relations between North Korea and Russia is in the common interests of the peoples of the two countries. The North Korean leader wished President Putin "good health and greater success in the responsible cause of building a powerful Russia." Kim also wished "the prosperity and well-being of the close-knit Russian people."

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo: Reuters

At a recent session, the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea (unicameral parliament) re-elected leader Kim Jong-un as Chairman of the State Council.

Later, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to the North Korean leader, expressing his confidence that Kim Jong-un's activities in the highest government position will continue to promote good, friendly relations between Russia and North Korea. In his congratulatory message, Putin reaffirmed his readiness to work together on urgent current issues of the bilateral and regional agenda.

Earlier, the Kremlin press service reported that the Russian President and the North Korean leader will hold a summit in Russia before the end of this month. South Korea's Yonhap news agency said there is a possibility that the Russia-North Korea summit will take place in Vladivostok.