Putin vows to bring North Korea ties to higher levelbr br Russian president Vladimir Putin promised to build trade and security systems with North Korea that are not controlled by the West and pledged his unwavering support in a letter published by North Korean state media on Tuesday (June 18) ahead of his planned visit to the country.br br In the letter, printed in North Korea's Rodong Sinmun, the ruling Workers' Party mouthpiece, the Russian president said the two countries have developed good relations and partnerships over the past 70 years based on equality, mutual respect and trust.br br He thanked North Korea for supporting what Russia calls its "special military operation in Ukraine," and vowed support for Pyongyang's efforts to defend its interests despite what he called "US pressure, blackmail and military threats."br br The article was published a day after the two countries announced that Putin would visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years for two days starting on Tuesday.