Nicaragua and North Korea celebrate 47 years of diplomatic ties

The governments of Nicaragua and North Korea are commemorating the 47th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which were initially established on August 21, 1979. The current Nicaraguan administration, led by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, sent a congratulatory letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

In their message, Ortega and Murillo highlighted the "historic ties of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation" that bind the two nations. They extended warm felicitations for the anniversary, characterizing the 47 years of relations as "fraternal," founded on mutual respect, solidarity, and the defense of sovereignty, independence, and self-determination.

The letter also invoked the legacies of North Korea's founding leader, Kim Il Sung, and his son, Kim Jong Il, acknowledging their contributions to strengthening the bonds between the two peoples. Ortega and Murillo reaffirmed Nicaragua's commitment to continuing and deepening bilateral relations, expanding cooperation, and working together for the "well-being and prosperity of our peoples and defending a world of peace, sovereignty, justice, and respect among nations."

Nicaragua and North Korea first established diplomatic ties during the initial Sandinista government. These relations were suspended in 1990 following the election of Violeta Barrios de Chamorro but were re-established in 2007 when Ortega returned to power. Both nations are known for their alignment with Russia and their shared opposition to the United States and other Western nations.