Kim Jong Un congratulates Putin on his 74th birthday
In short
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a telegram to Vladimir Putin congratulating him on his 74th birthday on October 7. Kim praised Russia's strengthened status under Putin and emphasised the comprehensive strategic partnership between their countries, which has a treaty basis including mutual military aid. Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said Xi Jinping and others had already sent greetings.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a telegram to Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulating him on his 74th birthday, Kommersant reported, citing the text from North Korea's KCNA news agency. The telegram read: “Dearest friend, comrade Vladimir Putin, accept my most sincere and warm congratulations and wishes on the occasion of your significant birthday.” The congratulation was also reported by RIA Novosti and RBC. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Kim said that over two decades under Putin, Russia had strengthened its dignity and status as a power, and added that he attaches great importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea. That partnership has a treaty basis: in June 2024, the two countries signed an agreement providing for immediate military assistance in the event of an armed attack on one of them, and allowing joint exercises to strengthen defence and prevent war, Kommersant reported. The new agreement replaced earlier documents, including the 1961 treaty of friendship and mutual assistance and the 2000 treaty of friendship, good-neighbourliness and cooperation. The partnership covers not only security but also agriculture, education, healthcare, sports, tourism, counter-terrorism and information security. [ 3 ]
Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said on October 6 that Xi Jinping and representatives of some other states had already sent birthday greetings to Putin, according to Kommersant. RBC noted that the birthday was Putin's 74th. [ 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The greeting highlights the close ties between Russia and North Korea under their June 2024 strategic partnership treaty, which includes provisions for immediate military assistance. It also comes as Putin receives birthday wishes from other leaders, including China's Xi Jinping, according to a Kremlin aide.
Key facts
- Kim Jong Un sent a telegram to Vladimir Putin congratulating him on his birthday. [ 3 ]
- Putin turns 74 on October 7. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kim called Putin a dearest friend and comrade and wished him well. [ 3 ]
- Kim said Russia under Putin had strengthened its dignity and status as a power. [ 3 ]
- Kim emphasised the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea. [ 3 ]
- The partnership is based on a June 2024 agreement that provides for immediate military aid and allows joint exercises. [ 3 ]
- Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said Xi Jinping and representatives of other states had already sent greetings. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The congratulation was sent in the form of a telegram. Only Kommersant specifies a telegram; other documents do not describe the form.
- Yuri Ushakov said Xi Jinping and representatives of some other states had already sent birthday greetings to Putin. Single-source claim from Kommersant, citing the Kremlin aide.
- The June 2024 Russia-DPRK agreement provides for immediate military assistance and joint military exercises. Described only by Kommersant; other documents do not mention these treaty provisions.