“At a convenient time”
Report: Putin plans to visit Kim in North Korea
September 14, 2023, 2:43 a.m
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It’s about nothing less than stable relations “for the next 100 years”: the meeting between rulers Putin and Kim seems to have gone well. Apparently the end result is not only lucrative arms deals, but also an invitation to North Korea. The Russian President probably agrees.
According to North Korean information, Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to North Korea from ruler Kim Jong Un. At the conclusion of the two leaders’ meeting in Russia on Wednesday, “Kim Jong Un politely invited Putin to visit the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at an appropriate time,” KCNA news agency said.
Putin gladly accepted the invitation “and reaffirmed his will to continue the history and tradition of friendship between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” it said. According to the report, Kim expressed his willingness to promote stable and future-oriented relations for the next 100 years. Both sides agreed to further strengthen strategic and tactical cooperation in view of the “military threats, provocations and tyranny of the imperialists.”
Referring to the war in Ukraine, Kim said he was sure Russia would achieve a “great victory” over its enemies. Putin praised the friendship between the two countries and told reporters he saw “opportunities” for military cooperation with North Korea. Moscow wants to help Pyongyang build satellites.
“Significant influence on the war in Ukraine”
Putin and Kim met on Wednesday at the Vostochny cosmodrome in the Russian Far East. According to estimates from Washington, the talks held there could lead to North Korea supplying weapons to Russia. Russia is targeting North Korea’s artillery shells, said An Chan-il, director of the International Institute for North Korean Studies. If North Korean multiple rocket launchers and other artillery shells are delivered to Russia in large quantities, he believes this could “have a significant impact on the war in Ukraine.”
Putin made numerous hints on Wednesday that military cooperation had been discussed, but gave few details. Analysts assume that the delegation that traveled from North Korea speaks in favor of military cooperation. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also took part in the talks. The Kremlin said sensitive discussions between neighboring countries were a private matter.