North Korea marked the 78th anniversary of its regime establishment by releasing congratulatory messages from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming its friendly relations with both countries.
The ruling Workers' Party's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published Xi's and Putin's messages on its front page on September 9, with Xi's message appearing first.
In his message, Xi described North Korea and China as "friendly socialist neighbors who support and help each other and share a common destiny." He emphasized that maintaining, consolidating, and developing the China-North Korea relationship is a consistent and unwavering policy of the Chinese Party and government.
Xi also referenced his state visit to North Korea in June and his summit with Kim Jong Un, stating, "We will continue to strengthen strategic guidance on the relationship between our two parties and countries and work together to promote the development of our respective party and national affairs."
Putin stated, "The relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has always been based on the principles of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual assistance," adding that they will continue to pursue the closest joint efforts to further solidify their comprehensive strategic partnership.
He asserted that North-Russian cooperation aligns with the interests of both nations' citizens and contributes to regional security and the establishment of a multipolar world order. Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party, also sent a separate congratulatory message, emphasizing that the two countries maintain a common stance on international and regional issues.
In the lead-up to the regime establishment anniversary, North Korea continued its exchanges with China and Russia. The China-People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-North Korea Friendship Association held a reception in Beijing on September 7 to commemorate North Korea's 78th anniversary. Both sides expressed their commitment to implementing agreements made between their leaders and expanding practical cooperation.
On the same day, the Tumen River Bridge connecting North Korea and Russia was officially opened. Built following an agreement during the North-Russian summit in June 2024, the bridge can accommodate up to 300 vehicles per day. Both sides stated that the bridge's opening would contribute to expanding exchanges in trade, economy, science and technology, and culture.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un did not attend the traditional pilgrimage to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with party and government officials the day before, sending only a floral tribute. Kim has only participated in the pilgrimage during the anniversaries in 2012, 2018, and 2021, and has not attended since 2022. This year, as it is not a significant anniversary, the event appears to have been conducted as a routine ceremony focused on officials.
Experts assess that North Korea is solidifying its diplomatic events and transportation infrastructure projects based on existing agreements with China and Russia. Professor Lim Eul-chul from Kyungnam University’s Far East Institute noted, "Rather than specific messages, it seems that both North Korea-China and North Korea-Russia are in the process of implementing existing agreements and developing their relationships."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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