Russia offers humanitarian aid to flood-hit North Korea

Last Updated on August 5, 2024 10:08 am

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered humanitarian aid to North Korea, which has been hit by heavy rains and floods. Pyongyang’s state media KCNA confirmed this information on Sunday (August 4). Reuters news.

Putin made the offer to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a message sent through the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on Saturday (August 3). Putin’s message expressed sympathy and support for North Korea.

KCNA reported that Putin expressed his willingness to immediately provide humanitarian aid to North Korea to deal with the flood damage.

North Korean leader Kim thanked Putin for the offer. Said that since his government had already taken measures to manage the recovery, he would ask Putin for help if help was needed.

The recent heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in the northwestern regions of the country. According to KCNA, more than 4,000 houses have been inundated in flood-hit areas and nearly 5,000 residents have been displaced. During that time, Kim personally visited the affected areas and supervised rescue operations.

Last week, South Korea also offered to provide relief supplies for North Korea’s flood damage. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Korea did not respond to that. However, the country released a statement criticizing recent joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.

Meanwhile, Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened diplomatic and security ties in recent months. Both Kim and Putin visited the two countries and signed a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ agreement in June.