Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea, making his first visit to the country in 24 years. This comes as a sign of deepening tensions with Washington and also as a bid to cement an alliance between the two countries that will immunize them from US-led sanctions.
On arrival, Putin was received warmly at Pyongyang airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. As relayed by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the two leaders shook hands and hugged each other before Kim personally escorted Putin to Kumsusan State Guest House. The agency referred to this meeting as historical that underscores invincibility and durability of friendship and unity between their countries.
Putin’s pre-arrival remarks appreciated Russia’s military role in Ukraine, which has been steadfastly supported by North Korea. He said both nations have committed themselves against blocking Western attempts for the formation of “multiple world order based on justice and mutual respect for sovereignty”.
The concern about Putin visiting is that he might sign an arms deal with Kim where upon missiles are supplied to Russia so that it is able to conquer Ukraine while on its part Russia assists in technological advancement and economic aid for Kim’s nuclear program. In addition to this, Pyongyang streets featured pictures of Putin hung on walls alongside Russian flags with some banners indicating warm reception for the Russian president.
In this regard, Putin has outlined plans to develop independent trade and payment systems beyond western oversight as well as jointly confront what he calls “unjustifiable unilateral restrictions.” Both nations are under heavy sanctions; North Korea because of her ambition towards becoming a nuclear power and missile tests while Russia due to invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Kremlin has confirmed that among those accompanying Mr. Putin are several top officials who may be signing several agreements including a possible comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. Also, he promised cooperation in tourism cultural exchange programs, education among others during his visit.
Before heading off to North Korea, Putin made a stop in Yakutsk, Russia where he talked about regional technology and defense projects. The delegation is made up of Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Russian military officials have been accused by US and South Korean governments of supplying artillery, missiles and other arms to Moscow thus potentially breaching UN Security Council sanctions. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have rejected such allegations.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented on the visit by Putin saying it showed Russia’s desperation for allies in the form of countries like North Korea and Iran so as to continue fighting Ukraine. “The reported support from Russia for North Korea’s missile program is deeply troubling,” said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg while South Korea has voiced similar concerns.
Putin will then head to Vietnam after visiting North Korea for talks on trade. However, this move has been heavily criticized by the US with the claim that no country should support Putin’s war against Ukraine.
This trip made by Putin underlines his attempts at restoring Russia’s clout and returning Soviet-era alliances in spite of international censure and sanctions.
