MOSCOW — The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Friday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged his country's full support for Russia's "struggle to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests." The statement was made during a reception at the North Korean embassy in Moscow, held in anticipation of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on September 9.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov attended the event, where he received a message from Kim Jong Un, delivered by North Korea's Ambassador to Russia, Sin Hong-chol. According to the message, Kim stated, "We will fully support the struggle of the Russian people, government, and army to protect state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests. We consider this our duty as brothers."

Kim also emphasized that North Korea would remain "unwaveringly faithful to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty," a recent pact signed between the two nations that has been met with international concern.

In his remarks, Minister Belousov extended his congratulations for the upcoming anniversary, stating, "I want to say that our relationship is tied by more than just friendship. This relationship was built in the battles where Soviet and Russian soldiers fought alongside North Korean forces." He also expressed gratitude and respect for the North Korean troops who participated in the liberation of Kursk, a major battle of World War II, calling their involvement a symbol of friendship and cooperation.

Belousov noted the "dynamic development" of the relationship and highlighted the recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un in Beijing on September 3 as a key event that has injected "new momentum" into the partnership. The Defense Minister, who was present at the summit, described the meeting as having taken place in a "very warm and friendly atmosphere" and emphasized the shared responsibility of implementing the decisions made by the leaders.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that Minister Belousov paid his respects by laying flowers at the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

This show of solidarity comes after North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, reported that President Putin had sent a congratulatory message to Kim Jong Un for the upcoming anniversary, similarly praising the participation of North Korean troops in the Battle of Kursk as a symbol of friendship and cooperation.