The North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-unsent a New Year’s letter to the Russian president, Vladimir Putinwhere he reaffirmed his intention to consolidate the military cooperation between both countries, as reported this Tuesday by the regime’s propaganda agency KCNA.
In the letter, the communist dictatorship expressed its support for Russia in its illegal invasion of Ukraine and declared that the New Year 2025 will be remembered as “the first year of war victory in the 21st century“, when “the Russian army and people defeat neo-Nazism and achieve a great victory”.
The letter included “warm greetings and best wishes to the brother Russian people and the brave Russian Army,” in an attempt to show closeness between both countries, despite international isolation and sanctions.
Likewise, the regime of Pyongyang reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia, noting that this alliance aims to build “strong nations that contribute to the “peace and prosperity of the people.”
Last November, both countries ratified a strategic partnership treaty, which includes a mutual defense clause. This treaty stipulates that if one of the signatory nations is subject to an armed attack, the other will provide military assistance and other types immediately.
According to Ukraine and some of its allies, North Korea has deployed approximately 11,000 soldiers in Russiasome of whom would have already joined the Russian troops fighting against the Ukrainian Army in the Russian region of Kurskbordering Ukraine and the scene of clashes since August.
Furthermore, in recent statements collected by the Russian state agency TASSPutin mentioned the possibility of carrying out joint military exercises between Russia and North Korea, a move that would further deepen their military cooperation.
Relations between Russia and North Korea have attracted the attention of the international community, especially in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. This collaboration includes both military, diplomatic and economic exchanges.
During a plenary meeting of the single party, held this week and chaired by the dictator leader Kim Jong-unNorth Korea threatened to implement a more aggressive response strategy towards USAwhich he described as the “most reactionary state.”
The regime accused the United States, along with South Korea y Japanto form a “invasive military bloc” and noted that its increasing military provocations justify an expansion and refinement of the North Korean war tactics. In this context, Kim instructed the armed forces to strengthen their war capabilities and modernize their military tactics to adapt to the “demands of modern warfare.”
The report of KCNA He explained that the policies adopted seek to rapidly advance defense science and technology, as well as the development of the military industry, with the aim of guaranteeing effective war deterrence in the face of growing tensions with the United States and its allies.
At the same meeting, Kim raised the need to foster closer relations with “friendly countries” that respect North Korea’s interests. Although not explicitly mentioned, this comment is believed to allude to China y Russiawith whom North Korea has strengthened its ties in the last year, especially with Moscow, in the context of its military collaboration.
The session also served to announce a major cabinet reshuffle. Mr Thae-song was appointed new prime minister, replacing Kim Tok-hunwhose management had been criticized after the damage caused by summer rains in the region of Nampoon the west coast. Besides, Kim Jong-gwan took over as deputy prime minister, while Kwon Song-hwan y Kim Yong-sik They were appointed as Ministers of Resource Development and Trade, respectively.
(With information from EFE and AFP)
