Pakistan, Aug. 16 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral relations as Pyongyang marked the anniversary of its liberation from Japanese rule.

North Korea's state media said Kim sent a message to Putin after receiving congratulations from the Russian president on the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Putin said ties between Moscow and Pyongyang were built through the Soviet struggle against Japan, expressing confidence that cooperation would continue across multiple areas.

Kim responded by highlighting their shared history and friendship while expressing hope that relations between the two countries would continue developing in t...