North Korean leader’s letter confirmed today (Image: AP / Getty Images)
Kim Jong-Un has sent a letter congratulating the queen on her 70th birthday.
The North Korean leader is the latest, and perhaps the most unexpected, world leader to celebrate platinum jubilee today.
The exact contents of his letter have not yet been revealed.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry simply confirmed on its website that Mr. Kim sent a letter “congratulating the Queen and the British people”.
It comes as tensions between North Korea and the West continue to rise as the country’s number of nuclear tests increases.
Last week, the Kim regime launched three missiles into the sea.
The tests took place just hours after Joe Biden left Asia, where he vowed to step up measures to deter the state with nuclear weapons.
It marked the 17th round of arms testing in the country this year.
Thousands flock to London today to mark the start of Jubilee celebrations (Image: PA) Kim’s letter arrives amid growing tensions between the West and North Korea (Image: Reuters)
Kim has previously pledged to strengthen its nuclear forces at “top speed”.
Negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled largely since 2019, due to disagreements over the easing of sanctions in exchange for disarmament.
But the relationship between the UK and North Korea is very different.
North Korea has an embassy in London and the United Kingdom has an embassy in Pyongyang, which opened in 2003 and 2001 respectively.
More: Queen Elizabeth II
Diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 2000.
But in recent years, Kim has criticized Britain for supporting international sanctions against the country for its nuclear ambitions and human rights record.
It has also attacked the UK for participating in a new US-led alliance to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
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Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II 2022
Take the dust off your Union Jack flag, Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee is finally here.
Taking place from Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5, the celebrations mark Her Majesty’s 70th record on the throne.
Across the UK, there will be street parties, concerts and other special events attended by the Queen and senior members of the royal family.