Seoul, March 23: Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his reappointment as the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission. He expressed hope for a bright future in the relations between the two nations, as reported by the Kremlin on Monday.
According to North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency, Kim was reappointed to the highest position in the commission during the first session of the Supreme People’s Assembly held on Sunday. This marks his third consecutive term since the commission was established as the country’s top policy guidance body in 2016.
In a message posted on the Kremlin’s Telegram channel, Putin stated, “Dear Comrade Kim Jong-un, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your re-election as the Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
He further emphasized, “Russia highly values your personal contribution to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations between our countries. We will naturally continue our close cooperation to enhance the significant strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, which undoubtedly serves the fundamental interests of both our nations.”
In recent years, Russia and North Korea have been strengthening their ties, including a defense treaty planned for 2024. The Yonhap News Agency reported that North Korea has even sent troops to support Russia in its fight against Ukraine. Previously, Kim Jong-un was reappointed as the President of the State Affairs Commission during the first session of the Supreme People’s Assembly following the ruling party congress last month, as stated by state media.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim was reappointed on the first day of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly’s first session. During this meeting, Jo Yong-won, considered one of Kim’s closest aides, was also elected as the Chairman of the SPA Standing Committee, the highest position in the parliament, succeeding Choi Ryong-hae.
Typically, North Korea convenes a session of its rubber-stamp parliament after a party congress to enact necessary laws based on decisions made during the congress. This appointment occurred during the first session of the SPA, marking the beginning of its 15th term’s state affairs activities.
Premier Pak Thae-song retained his position, while former Premier Kim Tok-hun was appointed as the First Vice Premier, a role recently created in a meeting. In this reshuffle, Jo was also appointed as the Vice Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, while Kim’s powerful sister, Kim Yo-jong, was removed from her position as a member of the commission.
Kim Yo-jong, who has been a member of the State Affairs Commission since 2021, was notably absent from the KCNA list of commission members. As North Korea’s third-generation leader, Kim Jong-un has ruled the nuclear-armed nation since his father’s death in 2011. The country was founded in 1948 by his grandfather, Kim Il-sung.
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