Seoul, South Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Wednesday welcomed the country’s expanding relationship with Russia, as reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon visit the country for a third summit with Kim.
Since Kim’s visit to Russia and meeting with Putin in September last year, military, economic, and other cooperation between North Korea and Russia has sharply increased. The U.S., South Korea, and their allies believe that North Korea has provided artillery, missiles, and other conventional weapons to Russia to support its war in Ukraine in exchange for advanced military technology and economic assistance.
“Thanks to the significant meeting between us at the Vostochney Spaceport in September last year, (North Korea)-Russia friendly and cooperative relations developed into an unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms,” stated Kim Jong Un.
According to Vedomosti, it’s reported that Russian leaders are expected to visit North Korea sometime next week. After visiting Pyongyang and his buddy Kim Jong-un, Putin is expected to fly to Vietnam around June 19th and 20th.
The Russian Foreign Ministry and the Kremlin expressed amazement at the official confirmation of the visit date.
Putin’s visit to North Korea came after Kim Jong Un visited Russia last year. During Kim Jong Un’s visit, these two allied countries discussed ways to strengthen their relationship amid growing hostility from the West.
During Kim Jong Un’s visit in September 2023, Putin promised Pyongyang that Russia would help build satellites for them. After Kim Jong Un’s visit, the Kremlin stated that Moscow and Pyongyang would work towards establishing a partnership in “all areas.”
Regarding Vietnam, Hanoi officials told Reuters that Putin’s visit had been agreed upon, but the agenda had not yet been finalized.
Russia is arranging for Putin to visit North Korea, and he could go “as early as next week” as part of a trip that includes a stop in Vietnam.
If it happens, this would be Putin’s first visit to Pyongyang since 2000, when the late father of Kim Jong Un, Kim Jong Il, ruled the country.
According to the U.S. news media “Voice of America,” satellite images have shown signs of a large structure being installed in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. It adds that this is worth noting as a possible sign of North Korea preparing for Putin’s visit.
Since the Kim-Putin summit, North Korea and Russia have been strengthening military relations and expanding cooperation in various fields.
Relevant articles:
– North Korea’s Kim Hails Russia Ties as Putin Reportedly Plans a Visit, Military, 06/12/2024
– Putin To Visit North Korea Next Week As Kim Jong Un Hails Close Ties With Moscow, Outlook India, 06/12/2024
– un hopes close ties with Putin will strengthen ‘eternal milestone’ of Pyongyang, 코리아타임스, 06/12/2024
– North Korea’s Kim boasts of ‘invincible’ ties with Russia amid talks of Putin visit, Bangkok Post, 06/12/2024
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