Ministry of National Defense: "Kim Jong-un to Visit Russia in Early Morning of the 12th"

"Closely Monitoring Schedule Linked to EEF"

The Ministry of National Defense confirmed that North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un entered Russia early on the 12th by taking a special train.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Jeon Ha-gyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular briefing on the day in response to related questions, "It is reported that Kim Jong-un entered Russia early this morning using a special train," adding, "Considering that he was accompanied by a large number of military personnel, we are closely monitoring whether negotiations related to arms trade and technology transfer between North Korea and Russia will take place."

According to photos released by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim's delegation included Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui as well as Ri Pyong-chol, vice chairman of the Party Central Military Commission, and Pak Jong-chon, head of the Party's Military Guidance Department, who rank first and second in the military hierarchy. Pak Tae-sung, Party secretary, Kim Myong-sik, naval commander, and Jo Chun-ryong, head of the Party's Military Industry Department, also appear to be visiting Russia. Pak Tae-sung and Kim Myong-sik are key figures in securing satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology, which North Korea could acquire through arms trade.

Additionally, when asked whether Chairman Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to have other schedules besides the summit, spokesperson Jeon replied, "Considering that the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) is being held, there may be schedules linked to that," and added, "We are closely monitoring other matters as well."

Since the North Korean and Russian leaders are meeting again after four years, there is a possibility that the itinerary will include events showcasing North Korea-Russia cooperation. Kim Jong-un's route includes inspecting the Zvezda Shipyard and Vladivostok port facilities, which are about a two-hour drive from Vladivostok. The Zvezda Shipyard is being developed as a manufacturing base in the Far East under President Putin's New Eastern Policy, and Vladivostok port is a logistics hub in Russia's Far East, with the nearby starting point of the Trans-Siberian Railway, making it a place of interest for Chairman Kim.