Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his reelection as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, expressing hope for closer bilateral ties, the Kremlin said Monday. The message was posted on the Kremlin’s Telegram channel, highlighting Russia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Pyongyang.

Kim was reappointed to the highest post of the commission during the first session of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) on Sunday, marking his third consecutive term since the body was established in 2016 as North Korea’s top policy guidance institution. Putin praised Kim’s personal contribution to strengthening the friendly and allied relationship between the two countries.

In his message, Putin stated that Russia will continue close cooperation with North Korea to further develop their comprehensive strategic partnership, describing it as serving the fundamental interests of both nations. The two countries have strengthened ties in recent years, signing a mutual defense treaty in 2024, and North Korea has sent troops to support Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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During the SPA session, Jo Yong-won, one of Kim’s closest aides, was elected chairman of the SPA standing committee, replacing Choe Ryong-hae. Premier Pak Thae-song retained his post, while former Premier Kim Tok-hun was appointed first vice premier, a newly created position. Jo was also named vice chief of the State Affairs Commission, whereas Kim’s sister Kim Yo-jong was notably absent from the commission’s new membership list.

The reappointment follows North Korea’s ruling party congress last month, after which 687 deputies were selected for the SPA. Under the country’s system, citizens aged 17 and older vote for a single, state-approved candidate in each district. According to KCNA, the new delegation was overwhelmingly approved, securing 99.93 percent of the vote, with turnout reaching 99 percent.

Analysts note that the SPA meeting could consider constitutional revisions, potentially codifying the relationship between North and South Korea as one between “two hostile states.” Kim, the third-generation leader, has governed the nuclear-armed nation since his father’s passing in 2011, continuing the legacy of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who established the state in 1948.

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