Marking Russia's National Day, Kim said his meeting with Putin
at a Russian space launch facility last year elevated the ties
of their "century-old strategic relationship".
The message came after Russia's Vedomosti newspaper on Monday
reported Putin would visit North Korea and Vietnam in the coming
weeks.
An official in Vietnam told Reuters the Vietnam trip was planned
for June 19 and 20, but has not yet been confirmed. The Kremlin
has said Russia wants to foster cooperation with North Korea "in
all areas" but has not confirmed the date of the visit.
Kim travelled to Russia's Far East last September, touring the
Vostochny Cosmodrome space launch centre, where Putin promised
to help him build satellites.
Kim also lauded Russia for achieving results on its efforts to
build a strong country despite by "suppressing and crushing all
the challenges and sanctions and pressures of hostile forces".
Pyongyang and Moscow have increasingly stepped up diplomatic and
security relations, hosting government, parliamentary and other
delegations in recent months.
A group of North Korean officials in charge of public security
was set to visit Russia this week.
Officials in Washington and Seoul have accused North Korea of
shipping weapons to Russia to support its war against Ukraine in
exchange for technological aid with its own nuclear and missile
programs.
(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
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