Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un on Friday sent a congratulatory letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia Day, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

"The Chairman of the State Affairs Commission comrade Kim Jong Un sent congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of a national holiday," the KCNA said. "He expressed warm wishes to the president, government and people of Russia on behalf of the government and people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

"The Russian people have achieved great success in their work for building a strong and prospering Russia. They have coped with various challenges and trials under the Russian president's energetic leadership and the Korean people are sincerely happy about these successes," said the message.

Kim stressed the "striving and wish of the two peoples to further strengthen and develop long-standing precious traditions of friendship between the DPRK and Russia in accordance with the requirements of the new era."

"I take this opportunity to sincerely wish the Russian president good health and success in his demanding job, and the friendly Russian people – well-being and prosperity," Kim said in his message.

Russia Day is a state holiday celebrated since 1992 on the day of the adoption of the declaration of state sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR).

Putin said Friday an "absolute majority" of Russians backed his plan to change the constitution, as he made his first public appearance after weeks of lockdown.

Putin greeted his compatriots at an open-air flag-raising ceremony in western Moscow to mark Russia Day. He praised the spirit of the Russian people as well their traditions and culture.

He said it was only natural that Russians wanted to see these "fundamental, basic premises" reflected in the constitution. "I am sure that an absolute majority of our citizens share and support such a position," Putin said.

The United States Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan also congratulated Russian citizens on behalf of U.S. President Donald Trump and the American people on Russia Day, confirming Washington's readiness to cooperate.

(Cover: A man with a protective face mask and a woman approach a stage installed ahead of Russia Day celebrations in Red Square in Moscow, Russia on June 11, 2020. /Reuters)