North Korean leader vows support for Russia: Pyongyang will remain by Moscow’s side and this is our choice and our unwavering will

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will always support Russia, according to the official Central News Agency, in a message of thanks to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

North Korea has strengthened its ties with Moscow since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia’s nearly four-year-old war in Ukraine.

South Korea estimates that 600 of them were killed and thousands more were injured.

Analysts say North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology, food supplies and energy from Russia in return.

“I express my sincere thanks to you for sending warm and sincere congratulations on my return to my arduous duties as head of state,” Kim said in his message on Tuesday.

North Korea’s legislature reappointed Kim this week as head of the country’s highest policy-making and governing body.

“Today, North Korea and Russia are cooperating closely to defend the sovereignty of the two countries… Pyongyang will always remain by Moscow’s side… This is our choice and our unwavering will”.

Kim’s message follows official Belarusian media reports that President Alexander Lukashenko will visit North Korea on a two-day trip from Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed that Lukashenko will make an official visit at the invitation of Kim Jong Un, without specifying a date.

The two countries have provided support to Russia in its war on Ukraine.