Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un has sent congratulations to Vietnam on the Southeast Asian nation’s 74th National Day, voicing his hope for stronger ties between the two countries.

DPRK leader Kim Jong-un (Photo: AFP/VNA) 

According to the DPRK’s state media KCNA, Kim expressed his belief that the friendly and cooperative ties between the two parties and countries with a long history and tradition would as ever grow stronger.

 In his message, he cited his first state visit to Vietnam in March, which he said provided an “important occasion” in strengthening and developing bilateral ties and friendship, the KCNA reported.

 Following his second summit with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi, the DPRK leader began a visit to Vietnam on March 1. During the trip, he affirmed his country’s stance of continuing to enhance the traditional relations with Vietnam.