Xi, Putin Send Congratulatory Messages to Kim on DPRK's 78th Foundation Day
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago3 MIN
Summary
North Korea celebrated its 78th Foundation Day on September 9, with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin each sending congratulatory messages to DPRK leader Kim Jong Un. Labor Party officials and government representatives visited the Kumgang Sun Palace to pay respects to the late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Xi expressed appreciation for North Korea's development achievements under Kim's leadership, emphasizing the enduring socialist friendship between the two nations. Putin highlighted the traditional bonds of friendship and mutual assistance between Russia and North Korea, vowing to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Key Points
- North Korea's Foundation Day commemorates the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on September 9, 1948
- On September 8, Labor Party officials and government representatives bowed before bronze statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at the Kumgang Sun Palace, offering flower baskets
- Kim Jong Un did not attend the memorial ceremony in person but sent a flower basket to honor his predecessors
- Xi Jinping, in his message carried by Xinhua, praised North Korea's economic and social development achievements under Kim's leadership since 1948
- Xi referenced his state visit to North Korea in June, which he said opened a new chapter in bilateral relations, reaffirming China's commitment to strengthening China-DPRK ties
- Putin's message, reported by the Korean Central News Agency, emphasized that Russia-DPRK relations are built on friendship, good-neighborliness, and mutual support
- Both Xi and Putin expressed willingness to work closely with Kim to advance their respective strategic partnerships
- Multiple other countries also sent congratulatory messages to mark the occasion
Why It Matters
The simultaneous congratulatory messages from China and Russia underscore the importance both nations place on maintaining close ties with North Korea amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in Northeast Asia. The continued strengthening of these relationships reflects a shared strategic interest in regional stability and cooperation, particularly as North Korea advances its diplomatic and economic agendas under Kim Jong Un's leadership. For Hong Kong, these bilateral engagements between the DPRK and major powers highlight the interconnected nature of regional security and diplomacy that could indirectly affect global trade flows and geopolitical risk assessments relevant to the city's financial hub status.
The simultaneous congratulatory messages from China and Russia underscore the importance both nations place on maintaining close ties with North Korea amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in Northeast Asia. The continued strengthening of these relationships reflects a shared strategic interest in regional stability and cooperation, particularly as North Korea advances its diplomatic and economic agendas under Kim Jong Un's leadership. For Hong Kong, these bilateral engagements between the DPRK and major powers highlight the interconnected nature of regional security and diplomacy that could indirectly affect global trade flows and geopolitical risk assessments relevant to the city's financial hub status.