North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in the Russian town of Khasan on September 12, 2023, ahead of an expected summit with President Vladimir Putin, according to state news agency KCNA. Kim’s visit to Russia is seen as a strong indication of the strategic importance of the relationship between the two countries. However, the meeting has raised concerns among Washington and its allies, who fear that the leaders may discuss military cooperation and potentially agree on the trade of arms and defense technology.
Hours before the anticipated summit, North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, as confirmed by South Korea’s military and Japan’s coast guard. The type of missiles launched has not been disclosed yet. The Japanese government reported that both missiles fell outside its exclusive economic zone. This missile launch has intensified the apprehension surrounding the upcoming summit.
Kim arrived in Russia via a private train accompanied by top defense industry and military aides. He was greeted by an honor guard and senior Russian and regional officials, according to KCNA. The North Korean leader emphasized the importance of DPRK-Russia relations, as stated in the KCNA report. The Workers’ Party of Korea, the ruling party in North Korea, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea stand are also highlighted in the report.
Amid concerns about arms talks between Russia and North Korea, the United States has expressed worry that the two leaders may discuss providing weapons to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine. However, Pyongyang and Moscow have denied any past or future armament shipments.
Images released by KCNA showed Kim participating in discussions with Russian officials and meeting with Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov and the governor of the Primorsky region, Oleg Kozhemyako. The exact location of the summit with Putin was not disclosed.
The upcoming talks between Putin and Kim are considered significant against the backdrop of geopolitical changes in the world, as stated by Russia’s foreign ministry. The situation on the Korean Peninsula is crucial for security and stability in the region.
The United States and South Korea have warned that any arms trade with North Korea would violate Security Council resolutions that Russia has voted to approve.
This visit marks Kim’s first trip to Russia in nearly four years and his first foreign visit since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to KCNA. The purpose of the visit is to enhance the friendship and cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
Reporting by Hyunsu Yim, Ju-min Park, and Soo-hyang Choi in Seoul, Kantaro Komiya in Tokyo, and Lydia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Jack Kim and Gerry Doyle