2023-09-18 14:53:20
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un conveyed “heartfelt thanks” to President Vladimir Putin as he concluded a nearly week-long trip to Russia focused on defense issues.
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Kim’s tour of the Russian Far East region has shown the possibilities of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, subject to international sanctions for the weapons program and the war in Ukraine, respectively.
The North Korean leader inspected Russian space rockets, planes and submarines during his visit and held a symbolic exchange of rifles with Putin after a summit between the two leaders.
Kim’s tour fueled Western fears that the secretive Asian country, equipped with nuclear weapons, could supply war materials to Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine.
North Korea’s state news agency KCNA said Monday that Kim “conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to President Putin and the Russian leadership” for “their special treatment and warm hospitality.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visit the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
He also wished “the prosperity of Russia and the well-being of its people,” the media stated, adding that the leader was beginning “his return home.”
During the visit, Kim said that North Korea, which has China as its main ally and benefactor, will elevate bilateral relations with Moscow to its “number one priority.”
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Experts say Russia wants North Korean ammunition for its war in Ukraine, while Pyongyang needs help to develop its satellite technology and improve its military equipment.
On Wednesday, the two leaders met at the new Vostochny cosmodrome, located about 8,000 kilometers from Moscow.
Kim Jong-Un and Vladimir Putin.
After the meeting, Putin spoke of the prospect of further cooperation with Pyongyang and acknowledged that there were “possibilities” in the military field.
But the Kremlin said no agreement had been signed and there was no intention to do so.
The visit to the aquarium
On Sunday, Kim attended a walrus show at the Primorye Aquarium, the largest in Russia and one of the world’s largest, accompanied by his officers, many of them dressed in military uniforms.
Footage from state media showed Kim smiling widely as he applauded the walrus and its keeper.
Kim also “watched white dolphins and other marine animals performing acrobatics in the dolphinarium and toured various locations in the aquarium,” KCNA said.
Kim Jong-Un leaving for Russia.
The North Korean leader also praised the facilities for “earning a reputation as a popular scientific research base” under Putin’s leadership, he added.
Kim’s visit to Russia “will shine for a long time in history” and will consolidate “militant unity” between both countries while “opening a new chapter” in their relations, KCNA noted.
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At the summit, Putin also accepted an invitation from Kim to visit North Korea soon.
Before leaving the city of Vladivostok, Kim received five explosive drones, one reconnaissance drone and a bulletproof vest as gifts from the governor of the Russian region of Primorye, bordering China and North Korea.
AFP
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