Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has paid tribute to Soviet soldiers who fought against Japan during World War II to mark Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, vowing to further strengthen ties with Russia, Pyongyang's state media reported Saturday. Kim visited the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang on Friday, a day before the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim laid a wreath bearing the phrase, "We will not forget the feats of the martyrs of the Soviet Army." He emphasized that the "excellent history, traditions and ties of blood" between North Korea and Russia serve as a fundamental cornerstone for bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation. Kim expressed his commitment to carry forward the "great friendship and unity" between the two nations "generation after generation."

DPRK, the acronym of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, marked the third time Kim has visited the Liberation Tower on Liberation Day since the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024. This partnership laid the groundwork for North Korea's military support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Kim was accompanied by his daughter, Ju-ae, and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, marking Ju-ae's first known appearance at the tower with her father.

On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message highlighting the active cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, including efforts to ensure regional security and stability, according to the KCNA. Putin noted that their "militant friendship and mutual assistance" have elevated bilateral ties to an "unprecedentedly high level of comprehensive strategic partnership." He expressed confidence in continued constructive joint undertakings on pressing bilateral and international issues, hinting at growing military cooperation, including North Korea's support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

The KCNA also reported that former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent greetings to Kim. The messages and Kim's visit underscore the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, particularly their expanding military cooperation, raising international concern over North Korea's support for Russia's conflict in Ukraine.