Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met at a cosmodrome in Russia’s far east on Wednesday, a rare visit and a sign of deepening ties between the two isolated nations that has stoked Western fears Pyongyang may arm Moscow in its war in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un shake hands during a meeting ... [+]
Kim toured the facility with Putin and reportedly asked many detailed questions about the rockets on display.
The leaders then held talks—both with ministers and other members of their delegations and one-to-one—that lasted four to five hours and were followed by an official lunch, according to news reports.
Speaking at the cosmodrome, Kim said North Korea will always stand with Russia “in the fight against imperialism” and pledged “full and unconditional support” for its “sacred fight to protect its sovereignty and security,” likely references to Moscow’s animosity with the U.S. and Western countries and its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
North Korea “will always support the decisions of President Putin and the Russian leadership,” Kim said, according to Reuters.
Putin thanked Kim for visiting Russia and told reporters the cosmodrome visit was intentional on account of North Korea’s “great interest in rocket engineering” and desire to “develop space,” suggesting that Moscow could help Pyongyang build satellites.
Kim Jong Un arrives for his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin told Russian state outlet Ria Novosti that Kim is set to visit two more cities in Russia’s far east, according to the Associated Press. It’s not clear what cities those will be or whether other tours of high tech facilities are to be expected.
Putin and Kim examine a rocket launch pad.
A launch pad of Russia's Soyuz rockets on Kim's visit to Russia
Kim visits the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's eastern Amur region.
Kim’s visit marks the leader’s tenth time leaving North Korea and his first foreign visit since the country closed its borders in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Intelligence from U.S. and Western allies suggests an arms deal to supply the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine will be high on the agenda and the visit to a high level cosmodrome will undoubtedly fuel these concerns given the numerous military applications of satellites and rocketry. Both Russia and North Korea have become increasingly isolated on the global stage in recent years on account of the Ukraine invasion and the latter’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. Both Pyongyang and Moscow face heavy sanctions from the international community and the U.S. has warned further sanctions will be applied in the event of an arms deal.
Kim often travels on a luxurious armored train.
The train carrying Kim arrives after crossing the border to Russia at Khasan.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Arrives In Russia For Putin Summit (Forbes)
Putin Celebrates ‘Friendship’ With Pyongyang As North Korea Deepens Ties With Russia And China (Forbes)
Does North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un always travel by train? (Reuters)