Kim Jong Un Sends Putin Congratulatory Message, Adjusts Tone After China Summit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia's National Day, reaffirming strong support for Moscow's policies and the deepening alliance between the two nations. This move follows Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Pyongyang, suggesting a strategic recalibration by North Korea to manage its relationships following high-level engagements.

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Today, the Juche-Russia (North Korea-Russia) relationship is unfolding a new chapter of history, further strengthening into a truthful and devoted comrade-in-arms relationship and an alliance.

In the message, carried by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim described the North Korea-Russia relationship as entering a new historical chapter, strengthening into a "truthful and devoted comrade-in-arms" and alliance. He stated that it is his and the North Korean government's "unchanging will and stance" to thoroughly support Moscow's policies and stand with the Russian Federation at all times. Kim wished the Russian people success and victory, and Putin greater achievements in his responsibilities.

While reaffirming the robust ties, analysts note a more restrained tone compared to last year's message. Notably absent were expressions like "always with you and the Russian Federation" and "battle-hardened camaraderie forged in blood," which were present in the previous year's message. This year's message focused more on confirming a policy cooperation relationship.

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It is my and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea government's unchanging will and stance to thoroughly support Moscow's domestic and foreign policies and to stand with the Russian Federation at all times.

Du Jin-ho, head of the Eurasian Research Center at the Korea Institute for National Strategy, suggested that North Korea is adjusting the "temperature" of its Russia relations while managing its commitment to China after the recent summit. He believes North Korea aims to prioritize its relationship with China for economic and diplomatic purposes, while the military-alliance nature of North Korea-Russia ties is already established. This suggests North Korea is moving beyond equidistant diplomacy between Russia and China, carefully weighing priorities for security and economic matters separately.

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North Korea is adjusting the 'temperature' of its Russia relations while managing its commitment to China after the recent summit.