North Korea has reacted sharply to the United States' condemnation of its enhanced relations with Russia.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on a statement from vice foreign minister Im Chon Il on Sunday in which relations with Russia were defined as a "strategic stronghold."

The vice minister said in the statement that the US groundlessly termed the development of the good neighborly relations a "violation of international law."

He added that the US tries to give the world the false impression that the cooperation poses a "threat" to global peace.

The vice minister noted that the relations of the two countries are developing onto a new, high stage.

He called them a "powerful fortress and strategic stronghold" for preserving peace.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit meeting in September. And October 12 marks the 75th anniversary of founding of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

North Korea is stressing its good relations with friendly nations.
Kim sent a congratulatory telegram to President Xi Jinping of China, another friendly nation, as Chinese people celebrate their National Day on Sunday.

Kim wrote that relations between North Korea and China have entered a new historic period.