Vladimir Putin has told North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that he wishes to expand ties, according to state media, KCNA.
In a letter from the Russian president, Putin said that closer ties would be in the interest of both countries in a worrying development.
In a separate letter from Kim Jong Un to Putin, he said that the support and solidarity between the two nations has reached a new level.
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Kim Jong Un said: “the strategic and tactical cooperation, support and solidarity between the two countries have put on a new high stage in the common front for frustrating the hostile forces’ military threat and provocation,” according to KCNA.
The North Korean leader wished Putin good health as well as big success “in his responsible work for defending the sovereignty and interests of the country and people and achieving the prosperity of the country.”
This comes as North Korea formally recognised Donetsk and Luhansk provinces in Ukraine as independent republics last month.
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