Pyongyang, August 16 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, sent a reply message to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on August 15.

The message said:

I express deep thanks to you for your warm congratulations on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of Korea's liberation.

On this historic day when our people achieved national independence and sovereignty and greeted the bright future of rejuvenation, we are reverently recollecting the feats of the fallen fighters of the Soviet Army who participated in the war for liberating Korea and devoted their blood and precious lives to it with a noble sense of mission to the cause of internationalism, together with the Korean revolutionary forerunners.

The friendly feelings of the armies and peoples of the two countries forged and deepened in the bloody struggle against the common enemy serve as a strong driving force for developing the traditional DPRK-Russia relations of friendship and cooperation into comprehensive strategic partnership and invincible comradeship and for promoting the building of powerful states in the two countries and the building of a multi-polarized new world.

Availing myself of this opportunity, I express firm belief that the strong and brave Russian people will firmly defend the sovereign right and security interests of the state and surely win victory in the sacred war for regional peace and international justice under your energetic leadership.

I heartily wish you good health and greater success in your responsible work for the prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people. -0-