One-on-One Meeting - Scheduled to Attend Official Dinner
"Bilateral Interests More Important" in Response to US Warning
"Discussion on UN Security Council Sanctions Issues"
Regarding the summit between North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin announced on the 12th that it will take place within a few days in the Far East region. As the summit was initially expected to be held in Vladivostok, various interpretations are emerging about the actual meeting location of the two leaders as the train passes through Vladivostok. Some speculate that the Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia's largest space launch facility in the Far East region, which Kim is reportedly keen to visit, might be the venue for the summit.
On the 12th (local time), the special train carrying Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, was passing northward near Ussuriysk Station in Primorsky Krai, Russian Far East. Provided by an independent source. [Image source=Yonhap News]
According to the Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti on the 12th, Kim's special train has entered Russia and is moving north along Primorsky Krai. The agency reported that Kim's special train is crossing a railway bridge over the Razdolnaya River near Ussuriysk Station.
Consequently, there are growing expectations that the two leaders will hold their meeting not in Vladivostok as initially anticipated, but at a space facility in Russia's Far East. Japan's Kyodo News reported that Kim and Putin might hold talks on the 13th at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, the largest space launch site in Russia's Far East.
Neither Russian nor North Korean authorities have disclosed the exact location of the summit yet. According to TASS news agency, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov avoided mentioning the specific venue during a press conference that day, only stating it would be in the "Far East region." The Kremlin announced that a one-on-one meeting between Kim and Putin is planned, and President Putin will host an official welcoming dinner for Kim. No separate press conference is scheduled.
Peskov explained that the two leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation issues as well as regional and international affairs during the summit. He also hinted that "sensitive areas" might be addressed during the talks, implying that discussions on arms deals could take place.
Regarding the U.S. warning about North Korea-Russia arms transactions, Peskov emphasized, "When it comes to relations with neighboring countries including North Korea, the interests of both countries are more important than U.S. warnings," adding, "Our focus is on the interests of both countries."
Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, departed Pyongyang by special train on the afternoon of September 10 to visit the Russian Federation, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on September 12, 2023. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Earlier, the United States stated that if North Korea and Russia engage in arms transactions, it would violate United Nations Security Council sanctions, and additional sanctions would be imposed if necessary.
Peskov said Russia is prepared to discuss issues related to UN Security Council sanctions with North Korea if needed.
Regarding Kim's visit to Russia, the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that it would provide details to South Korea if requested. According to Interfax news agency, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said, "There is a South Korean embassy in Moscow. If they want, we can provide available information," emphasizing, "South Korea is a trade partner of Russia, and both countries share common interests in stabilizing Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula, so we will continue to maintain contact with South Korea."
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