Comrade Kim Jong Un, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, sent a reply message to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on April 18.

The message said:

I express deep thanks for your warm congratulations to me on my re-election as chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK.

It fully conforms with the common interests of the peoples of the two countries to invariably strengthen and develop the long-standing friendly relations between the DPRK and Russia established by the preceding leaders

I am ready to closely cooperate with you in order to steadily and constructively develop the traditional friendly relations between the DPRK and Russia as required by the new era and defend peace and security of the Korean peninsula and the rest of the world.

Availing myself of this opportunity I wish you good health and greater success in your responsible work for building a powerful Russia and the intimate Russian people wellbeing and prosperity.