King Charles has sent “good wishes” to the people of North Korea to mark the national day of the country as news emerged its leader, Kim Jong Un, is travelling to Russia for talks with Vladimir Putin.
The King’s message was sent to the people of North Korea via its embassy in London and the government stressed that it was not a message of support to “the regime” in Pyongyang.
The message said : “As the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea celebrate their national day, I send my good wishes for the future.”
The message sent by the King would have been sent on advice from the Foreign Office and similar greetings were issued by his mother, the late Queen.
A parade was held in Pyongyang on Saturday to mark the 75th anniversary of North Korea’s founding.
In Westminster, the prime minister’s official spokesman played down the significance of the message.
The spokesman said that his understanding is this was a message to the people of North Korea rather than to the regime.
“I think this is something that happens each year and is not unusual in that regard.”
The message was timed as North Korea appeared set to provide weapons to Russia in support of the Ukraine invasion.
US officials believe that Mr Putin is turning to Pyongyang to replenish arms stockpiles that have been run down by the conflict.
Mr Kim was reported to have set on Sunday night for Russia in his armoured train.
The eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, where Mr Putin is attending an international forum that runs until Wednesday is a possible venue for the meeting.
Downing Street said that like-minded democratic allies were standing together against Russia, contrasting that with Mr Putin’s attempts to secure arms from other authoritarian states.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said, “First and foremost, it is obviously right for democratic countries to seek to further align and deepen partnerships in the interests of peace and stability.”
He said that was very different from an approach that appeared to be largely based on the selling of arms to support an illegal war. “I think it’s important to draw a distinction between the two.”
