Putin and Kim are meeting in Russia for the first time since 2019. Their discussions at the Baikonur cosmodrome are about rocketry. It is also suspected that the two heads of state are discussing arms deals.
According to media reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin received North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East. The two heads of state looked at the launch pad and familiarized themselves with the assembly of an “Angara” launch vehicle, the Interfax news agency said on Wednesday.
The Vostochny cosmodrome is located in the Amur region, around 100 kilometers from the border with China. Vostochny is considered an addition to the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, which is leased from Moscow. The cosmodrome is intended to reduce Russia’s dependence on Kazakhstan in space travel.
Putin and Kim: Rocket technology against weapons and ammunition?
“The leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea shows great interest in rocketry, they are also trying to develop space technology,” said Putin, explaining the chosen meeting point. According to media reports, the North Korean leader asked many questions about the Russian missile program during the tour. Kim was accompanied by a large military delegation.
Kim Jong Un in Russia
The dictator comes, says hello and has weapons experts in tow
North Korea has been trying to develop its own nuclear and missile program for years. Meanwhile, Pyongyang says it has carried out several successful nuclear weapons and missile tests.
Putin and Kim are also expected to discuss increasing military cooperation during their meeting. North Korea is considered a potential supplier of weapons and ammunition for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In return, Moscow could hand over missile technologies to its neighbor. It is Kim’s first visit to Russia since 2019.
Source: Stern
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