Kim Jong-un, the North Korean State Affairs Commission chairperson, responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sent a congratulatory message on Kim's reappointment as chairperson.
Korean Central News Agency on the 24th released the full text of Kim Jong-un's reply to President Putin's congratulatory message.
In the reply, Kim Jong-un said, "First of all, I extend my heartfelt thanks for sending warm and sincere congratulations," adding, "The two countries, North Korea and Russia, are working closely together for the defense of both nations' sovereignty and for improving the welfare of the peoples through strong mutual support and assistance of an allied nature."
He went on, "I am convinced that the strong relationship and trust forged between us will guarantee the solidity and future-oriented character of North Korea-Russia relations," adding, "Pyongyang will always stand with Moscow, and this is our choice and unwavering will."
Earlier, on the 23rd, President Putin was the first among foreign leaders to send a congratulatory message to the chairperson. Congratulations also followed from the leaders of Vietnam and Belarus, major allies of North Korea as well as Russia.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong said in a congratulatory message to Kim Jong-un on the 23rd, "I hope that relations between the two countries will be nurtured and propelled to develop ever more deeply, substantively and effectively day by day." Vietnam has also maintained close ties with North Korea, including a visit to Pyongyang last year by Communist Party General Secretary To Lam.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, an ally of Russia who is drawing closer to North Korea, also said in a congratulatory message the same day, "Minsk (the capital of Belarus) confirms that it has an interest in actively expanding political and economic ties with Pyongyang at all levels."
Lukashenko, who supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is scheduled to visit North Korea for two days on the 25th–26th and hold a summit with Kim Jong-un.