First Confirmation of Possibility for North Korea Visit in 24 Years
It has been confirmed that Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, is scheduled to visit North Korea soon.
A senior official from the Presidential Office stated this on the 12th (local time) during a meeting with reporters at the press center set up in Astana on the occasion of President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit to Kazakhstan.
The official said, "There is President Putin's visit to North Korea approaching within a few days, as well as the diplomatic and security strategic dialogue between South Korea and China occurring around the same time. Taking all of this into consideration, we will continue the tour thoroughly to ensure that our major neighboring allies and strategic partners align with the Republic of Korea on the North Korea issue."
Meanwhile, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported on the 12th, citing multiple diplomatic sources including a senior Russian government official, that arrangements are being made for President Putin to visit North Korea in the early part of next week.
If President Putin visits North Korea this time, it will be his first visit in 24 years since July 2000. Some speculate that Putin's visit could lead to Russia and North Korea signing a treaty to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.
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