Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for congratulating him on his reelection as president of state affairs, voicing hope for continued strong ties between the two nations, state media reported Wednesday. Kim made the remarks in a reply message to Putin the previous day after he was reelected as president of state affairs on Sunday at the first meeting of the 15th Supreme People's Assembly.

According to Yonhap News Agency, this marks Kim's third consecutive term since the nation's top policy guidance body was created in 2016. Kim expressed confidence that the firm relations and trust between North Korea and Russia would ensure the durability and future purposefulness of their bilateral relations, contributing to the development and wellbeing of both nations. "Pyongyang will always be with Moscow. This is our choice and unshakable will," Kim stated.

Putin had earlier sent a congratulatory message to Kim, expressing hope for continued close cooperation between the two nations to enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership. The relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow has seen increased military cooperation since the signing of a mutual defense treaty in June 2024. North Korea has reportedly sent troops and conventional weapons to Russia to support its military actions in Ukraine.

In addition to Putin, leaders from Vietnam and Belarus also extended their congratulations to Kim on his reelection, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Vietnam's President Luong Cuong expressed hopes for deeper ties with North Korea, while Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko showed interest in expanding political and economic relations with North Korea.

The North Korean government announced that Lukashenko will visit North Korea at Kim's invitation. Russian media reported that the Belarusian leader is scheduled to visit Pyongyang on March 25-26 for discussions with Kim.