MOSCOW, September 14 (RIA Novosti) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-il congratulated Russian President Dmitry on his 44th birthday on Monday, Pyongyang's official news agency said.

"I am certain that Korean-Russian relations will develop in the interests of our two countries, and wish you health and success in your responsible work," the communist state's leader said in his message.

Russia has consistently maintained cordial ties with North Korea, and in recent years has joined China in resisting harsh sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear and ballistic tests. However, Moscow joined international criticism against the North after its second nuclear test blast in May.