North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un is reported to plan to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia to discuss military cooperation measures, including arms exports.
The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 4th (local time), citing U.S. and allied officials, that Chairman Kim will visit Russia this month to meet President Putin.
Chairman Kim is said to travel by train from Pyongyang, North Korea, to Vladivostok, Russia, to hold talks with President Putin. They will attend the Eastern Economic Forum held in Vladivostok from September 10 to 13, and Chairman Kim is also expected to visit Pier 33, where Russia’s Pacific Fleet warships are docked. However, officials added that there remains a possibility the talks could be held in Moscow instead of Vladivostok. There is also speculation that Chairman Kim may visit the Vostochny Cosmodrome during his stay in Russia.
Chairman Kim and President Putin are expected to discuss military cooperation measures between the two countries, including arms exports, at this meeting. Officials explained that President Putin hopes North Korea will provide Russia with artillery shells and anti-tank missiles, while Chairman Kim wants Russia to supply advanced technology for satellite and nuclear submarine development. North Korea is also seeking food aid from Russia.
Earlier, the U.S. White House announced that negotiations on arms deals between North Korea and Russia have progressed, including an exchange of letters between Chairman Kim and President Putin. John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator, warned during a phone briefing last week that high-level talks related to military cooperation between the two countries are "actively progressing."
Adrian Watson, White House NSC spokesperson, also confirmed in a statement that day, "As we have publicly warned, arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea are actively progressing," and "We have information that Chairman Kim expects these discussions to continue, including top-level diplomatic engagement in Russia." He added, "We urge North Korea to honor its public commitment to halt arms negotiations with Russia and not to provide or sell weapons to Russia."
The NYT reported that Chairman Kim’s plan to visit Russia was made following Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to North Korea. According to sources, Chairman Kim proposed expanding military cooperation and suggested President Putin visit North Korea to Minister Shoigu, who visited North Korea on the occasion of North Korea’s "Victory Day," marking the Korean War armistice. In response, Minister Shoigu reportedly proposed that Chairman Kim visit Russia.
At the end of August, a North Korean delegation of 20 people, including security and protocol officials, traveled by train from Pyongyang to Vladivostok and then flew to Moscow. The NYT reported that the trip took about 10 days and suggested that this movement indicates Chairman Kim is seriously considering visiting Russia. Previously, Chairman Kim also traveled by train to Vladivostok in April 2019 to hold talks with President Putin.
Jin H. Lee, senior researcher at the Wilson Center, told the NYT, "The strengthening of the alliance between Russia and North Korea has come at an appropriate time for two countries with almost no allies and a common adversary in the United States," and described it as "the revival of a traditional alliance that satisfies the strategic interests of both President Putin and Chairman Kim."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
