DPRK state media KCNA reported on Monday that leader Kim Jong Un promised to "hold hands" with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to boost strategic cooperation on their common goal of building a powerful nation.

In a message to Putin commemorating Russia's National Day, Kim displayed "full support and solidarity" to Russia in light of the war in Ukraine.

"Justice is sure to win and the Russian people will continue to add glory to the history of victory," Kim said in the statement published by KCNA.

Kim urged "closer strategic cooperation" with Russia, and assured "holding hands firmly with the Russian president, in conformity with the common desire of the peoples of the two countries to fulfill the grand goal of building a powerful country" as per the statement. 

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The DPRK has supported Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022 and has sought to build closer ties by blaming the "hegemonic policy" and "high-handedness" of the United States and the West.

Back in October, Kim congratulated Putin on his 70th birthday, praising his achievements in "building powerful Russia" and expressing hope for the development of bilateral relations.

"Today, Russia is reliably defending the dignity of the state and its fundamental interests from the challenges and threats by the US and its vassal forces. Such reality is unthinkable without your distinguished leadership and strong will," Kim told the Russian President.

On North Korea's liberation day last year, Putin stated in a letter to Kim that closer ties would be in the interest of both countries and would further help strengthen the security and stability of the Korean peninsula and the Northeastern Asian region, KCNA reported. 

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