“Closest friend”
North Korea awaits Putin
January 21, 2024, 4:54 a.m
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In the war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia is receiving support from North Korea – especially artillery ammunition. President Putin will probably soon campaign for more help there.
According to North Korean sources, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared his willingness to visit the isolated country soon. Putin thanked Pyongyang for the invitation to visit and said he would come soon, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported. They are ready to “welcome the closest friend of the Korean people with the utmost sincerity.”
Abroad, the rapprochement between Moscow and Pyongyang is viewed with great suspicion. In the war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia not only used artillery ammunition, but also allegedly used ballistic missiles from North Korea. It is feared that Russia could provide technical assistance to the dictatorial country in the Far East with its weapons programs.
Last week, Russia reaffirmed its close cooperation with the regime during a visit by North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. As a symbol of closer cooperation, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Russian Far East in September 2023 and met with Putin there. This was followed by a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Pyongyang. Putin’s trip to North Korea is still pending.
Strong collaboration possible
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his North Korean colleague Choe Son Hui praised their countries’ deepened relations in Moscow. Russia “always” supports North Korea at the United Nations, Lavrov said. Conversely, Moscow greatly appreciates Pyongyang’s “similar stance in support of Russia’s position, including on issues related to our specific military operation in Ukraine.” For her part, Choe said that the ministerial meeting was evidence of “friendly” bilateral relations “in harmony with the plans of the leadership of both countries.
Pyongyang and Moscow are traditional allies and have expanded their relations in the recent past. Russia is using huge amounts of weapons and ammunition in the Ukraine conflict and, according to experts, is not keeping up with their production in its own country. Pyongyang is subject to numerous UN sanctions because of its nuclear weapons and missile programs.