Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in North Korea early Wednesday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un greeted Putin at Pyongyang’s airport, where the two exchanged a warm handshake and embraced.
The visit was Putin’s first in 24 years.
The Associated Press (AP) reported the pair then joined one another in Putin’s car as Kim personally guided him to Pyongyang’s Kumsusan State Guest House.
Putin’s rare visit to North Korea comes after his declaration that both nations seek to collaborate closely to counter U.S.-led sanctions amid escalating tensions with Washington.
Putin also announced plans for expanded cooperation in tourism, culture, and education.
Pyongyang adorned its streets with portraits of Putin and Russian flags. One banner read: “We warmly welcome the President of the Russian Federation.”
North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency described the encounter as a historic event, showcasing the “invincibility and durability” of the two nations’ friendship and unity, per AP.
Putin expressed appreciation for North Korea’s steadfast support of his military actions in Ukraine.
He also highlighted plans to develop trade and payment systems independent of Western control and to jointly oppose what he termed “illegal, unilateral restrictions.”
Several documents are expected to be signed during the visit, including a possible agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership.
North Korean state media published the Russian president’s comments just hours before his arrival, emphasizing the importance of opposing Western efforts to hinder the establishment of a multipolar world order based on justice and mutual respect.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Putin’s visit highlights Russia’s desperation to strengthen relations with countries that can supply it with needed resources for the Ukraine war.
“North Korea is providing significant munitions to Russia … and other weapons for use in Ukraine. Iran has been providing weaponry, including drones, that have been used against civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he told reporters Tuesday.
Concerns are mounting over an arms deal in which Pyongyang supplies Moscow with munitions for its war in Ukraine in exchange for economic aid and technology to bolster Kim’s nuclear and missile programs.
AP reported that North Korea remains heavily sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear and missile programs, while Russia grapples with sanctions from the U.S. and Western allies due to its aggression in Ukraine.
Putin visited Yakutsk in eastern Russia before arriving in North Korea, where he met with regional Governor Aisen Nikolayev and received briefings on technology and defense projects.
He also interacted with young professionals in Russia’s Far East.
U.S. and South Korean officials have noted increased military, economic and other exchanges between North Korea and Russia since the two respective leaders met in September.
These officials accuse North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery, missiles and other military equipment for use in Ukraine, possibly in return for military technology and aid.
Both Pyongyang and Moscow deny these allegations, which would violate multiple U.N. Security Council sanctions that Russia had previously endorsed.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim Soosuk stated that Seoul has emphasized to Moscow that any cooperation with North Korea must not violate U.N. Security Council resolutions or undermine regional peace and stability.
South Korea’s military reported firing warning shots to repel North Korean soldiers who briefly crossed the land border on Tuesday, the second such incident this month.
AP highlighted that Russia and China have provided political cover for Kim’s nuclear ambitions, repeatedly blocking U.S.-led efforts to impose new U.N. sanctions on North Korea over its weapons tests.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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