During a state visit to North Korea, Kremlin chief Putin speaks of expanding relations with ruler Kim Jong Un. The Russian also thanks for the support in his war against Ukraine.
During his state visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership with ruler Kim Jong Un. Russian state media reported this from the North Korean capital of Pyongyang after around two hours of talks between the two heads of state. Putin said at the start of the talks that it was a new fundamental document for relations between Russia and North Korea.
According to Russian sources, the Kremlin chief also invited Kim Jong Un to visit again – this time to Moscow, after the two last met in Vladivostok in September. It is Putin’s first visit to the neighboring country in 24 years.
The program
Putin, who arrived yesterday for the two-day state visit, thanked his host Kim for supporting Russian policy, including in Moscow’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The USA accuses North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons and ammunition for the invasion. According to observers, the visit is about further arms deliveries from Pyongyang for Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
Negotiations are also planned within a larger framework of delegations from both countries. In addition to several shared meals, a wreath-laying ceremony and a joint concert are also planned.
Bilateral relations between the two countries have already expanded considerably in the past year, Putin said. The talks will focus not least on issues of economic cooperation and international security.
Praise for Pyongyang
The 71-year-old said that Pyongyang had developed into a beautiful capital, referring to his visit in 2000. At that time, he was received by Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il. Putin was greeted by a cheering crowd at Kim Il Sung Square, the urban and symbolic center of Pyongyang.
According to information from the White House, an agreement was reached last year to supply North Korean missiles and artillery ammunition to Russia, which Moscow uses in the war. In return, it is also suspected that key military technologies will be handed over to Pyongyang, which is internationally sanctioned because of its nuclear program. Both countries have denied such cooperation.
Source: Stern
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