Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in North Korea ahead of talks with Kim Jong-un
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea to a red carpet welcome on Tuesday night, marking his first visit to the totalitarian state in 24 years.
Putin was greeted at the airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and the two, flanked by a military guard of honour, engaged in animated conversation for several minutes.
The leaders last met in September at the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russia’s far east, but this is Putin’s first trip to Pyongyang since 2000.
Relations between the two countries have strengthened in recent years, particularly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
North Korea is seeking assistance with space technology following its recent failure to launch a second spy satellite, as well as support with food, fuel, and foreign currency. Meanwhile, Russia is experiencing a continued shortage of weapons for its war in Ukraine.
The United States has expressed concern about the “deepening relationship between these two countries.”
The Kremlin described the trip as a “friendly state visit.” Russian media report that Putin and Kim may sign a partnership agreement, including on security issues, and will issue joint statements to the media.
A parade in Kim Il Sung Square is anticipated, and Putin is expected to watch a concert and visit the Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Pyongyang, the only Orthodox church in North Korea.
Ahead of his arrival, President Putin praised Kim Jong-un for “firmly supporting” Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
In a letter published in North Korean state media, Putin promised to build trade and security systems with Pyongyang “that are not controlled by the West.”
The Russian president also pledged support for North Korea’s efforts to defend its interests against what he called “US pressure, blackmail, and military threats,” according to an article in Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s ruling party mouthpiece.
Putin stated that the two countries would continue to “resolutely oppose” Western efforts to hinder the establishment of a multipolar world order based on mutual respect and justice.
Reports indicate that Putin will stay at the Kumsusan guesthouse in Pyongyang, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping stayed during his state visit to North Korea in 2019.
Putin’s delegation includes his new defense minister, Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Last week, Kim Jong-un said that ties with Russia had “developed into an unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms.”
During their meeting last year, Putin mentioned “possibilities” for military cooperation with North Korea, while Kim wished Russia “victory” in Ukraine.
The White House has expressed concern about the closer ties between Russia and North Korea.
“We’re not concerned about the trip” by Mr Putin, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday. “What we are concerned about is the deepening relationship between these two countries.”
John Nilsson-Wright, head of the Japan and Koreas programme at Cambridge University’s Centre for Geopolitics, said Mr Putin is “strengthening ties with its old Cold War partner” in an effort to “counter any suggestion that the US and its allies have been able to isolate Moscow”.
“He is bolstering relations between authoritarian regimes at a time when democratic governments are in a defensive position, confronting global security challenges” in the Middle East, East Asia and Ukraine, he added.
Washington and Seoul have accused Pyongyang of supplying Moscow with artillery and other equipment, likely in exchange for food, military aid, and technology. Both North Korea and Russia deny any arms deal.
After visiting North Korea, Putin is expected to visit Vietnam, a Communist state and long-time ally, to discuss issues such as trade.
Putin’s last visit to North Korea was in 2000, at the beginning of his presidential career, when he met Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong-un’s father and the then supreme leader.