Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the "infinite might" of North Korea's alliance with Russia in his first public address marking the Korean Peninsula's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, as reported by state media. Notably, Kim's speech did not address relations with South Korea or the United States.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim delivered his remarks during an event celebrating the 80th anniversary of liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. The event took place at the Arch of Triumph square in Pyongyang and was attended by Russian guests, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
This occasion marked Kim's inaugural public speech for the August 15 anniversary. In his address, Kim stated, "Today, friendship between North Korea and Russia has developed into an unprecedented alliance, becoming ever more solid amid their common struggle to curb the revival of neo-Nazism and safeguard sovereignty, security, and international justice." He further claimed that the two nations are "creating history" in their efforts to promote global peace and stability. Kim highlighted the "infinite" strength derived from North Korea-Russia solidarity, characterized by "sublime ideas and genuine friendship."
Kim also made references to "misdeeds by imperialists" infringing upon the sovereignty and rights of other countries, though he did not specify whom he was referring to. Among the Russian guests present were Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of Russia's parliamentary lower house, the State Duma, and Russian Deputy Culture Minister Andrey Malyshev. The event also featured performances of Russian songs.
During the event, Volodin read out a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kim, further underscoring the close ties between the two nations.