In the midst of the armed conflict between Russian forces and Ukraine, from North Korea, leader Kim Jong-un sent his greetings and congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia Day, and valued the "good neighborly" relations between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The North Korean leader sent greetings to his counterpart and to the entire Russian people, without mentioning the invasion launched by Moscow against Ukraine in 2021, following the one that started in 2014.
Regarding Putin, he pointed out that Russia "boldly overcome all kinds of challenges and difficulties" that the country has faced "in order to achieve the just cause of defending dignity, security, and the right to development".
At another point in his speech, he also highlighted the friendship and cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, which entered "a new phase" after a summit between the two leaders in 2019.
"The strategic and tactical cooperation between both countries will become closer," he said.
"(The relations) will continue to strengthen vigorously in all fields and the strategic and tactical cooperation between the two countries will be enhanced on the path to defending international justice and ensuring global security," concluded the North Korean leader.