Kim Jong Un, Putin reaffirm ties on Korean Liberation Day

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed deepening ties with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin, KCNA state news agency reported on Sunday. The message was a reply to Putin’s congratulations marking the 81st anniversary of Tokyo’s surrender in World War Two. The Russian leader said cooperation would continue “in all the sectors”, citing bonds forged when Soviet soldiers fought Japan. The two countries have grown closer since Pyongyang deployed troops and weapons to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, NDTV notes.

On Saturday, a Russian naval vessel arrived at Wonsan port for a goodwill visit. Separately, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung used Seoul’s Liberation Day ceremony to call for talks with the North aimed at peaceful coexistence. The Hindu reports Lee urged dialogue to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War and explore ways to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear programme. Pyongyang has rejected Lee’s overtures and criticised U.S.-South Korean military exercises as provocations.