Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent "heartfelt congratulations" today
to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his election victory and wished
him success in building a powerful nation.
In contrast to some
other international leaders who have been slow to send congratulations,
Kim said Putin's re-election "is an expression of your people's great
support and trust in you".
The North's leader, in a message
quoted by the state KCNA news agency, expressed confidence the "long
history" of friendly relations between their countries would continue
and wished Putin success "in your work to build powerful Russia".
North Korea is under heavy international sanctions intended to curb its nuclear and missile programmes.
And Moscow is isolated to an extent not seen since the Cold War
following the poisoning of an ex-spy in Britain, and fresh sanctions
from Washington over allegations of meddling in the US 2016 election.
The United States earlier this year accused Russia of helping its Cold
War ally North Korea evade some international sanctions, by supplying
fuel and other measures. Russia has called for proof of the accusations.
