China and Russia, allies of North Korea, sent congratulatory messages for the Labor Party's 9th Congress.
The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 20th that Russia's largest party, United Russia, and the Communist Party of China sent congratulatory messages to State Affairs Commission Chairperson Kim Jong-un.
Russia, in a message sent on the 18th in the name of United Russia Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev, a close associate of President Vladimir Putin, said the "strategic partnership (between the two countries) is based on a long tradition of friendship and cooperation," and assessed that "on this foundation, our states are resolutely repelling external pressure while ensuring stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region."
Chairperson Medvedev said, "In recent years, relations between United Russia and the Workers' Party of Korea have played a more meaningful role in developing cooperation between Russia and North Korea," and added, "We look forward to the continued deepening of a trust-based dialogue between the two parties across the broadest scope, including issues of mutual interest."
China, through a congratulatory message in the name of the Communist Party Central Committee on the 19th, said, "China and North Korea are both socialist countries led by communist parties," and added, "In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, China–North Korea relations have entered a new historical period."
It added, "The Communist Party of China has consistently attached great importance to developing the friendly and cooperative relationship with the Workers' Party of Korea," and said, "We are willing to strengthen communication and exchanges, deepen the sharing of experiences in party and state governance, jointly guide the sound and stable development of China–North Korea relations, promote the steady and long-term development of the socialist cause of the two countries, and foster regional peace and stability, development and prosperity."
Chairperson Kim Jong-un has been strengthening a North Korea–China–Russia cooperation framework by continuing close engagement with China and Russia on the occasion of China's Victory Day military parade last September marking the 80th anniversary. Russia, whose ties have grown even closer due to the war in Ukraine, sent the first congratulatory message ahead of the party congress, and North Korean media published the full text to showcase the alliance.
Overseas compatriot groups, the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan and the General Association of Korean Residents in China, also sent congratulatory messages to Chairperson Kim Jong-un.