# North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their close ties in messages marking Korea’s Liberation Day. The two leaders exchanged messages on the 81st anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Their latest communication comes as North Korea and Russia have strengthened political and military cooperation. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, meanwhile, used Liberation Day to call for dialogue with Pyongyang and discussions aimed at formally ending the Korean War and limiting North Korea’s nuclear programme.
North Korea and Russia reaffirm ties on Korean Liberation Day