Attention on International Relations Impact of Putin's North Korea Visit... Diverse Opinions Locally

President Putin's Visit to North Korea on the 18th-19th

As Russian President Vladimir Putin spends his schedule visiting North Korea, experts in Russia have expressed diverse opinions on the impact on international relations, including with South Korea.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia [Image source=Yonhap News]

Pro-government Russian commentator Petr Akopov wrote in an article for RIA Novosti on the 18th (local time), "Russia can strengthen its relations with North Korea without completely closing the door to future cooperation with South Korea." He also emphasized President Putin's intention to restore Korea-Russia relations, stating, "Although South Korea is participating in Western sanctions against Russia, Russia will not completely burn the bridge connected to South Korea."

Konstantin Asmolov, a senior researcher at the Korean Studies Center of the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences, expressed concerns. In an article for the Russian daily Izvestia on the same day, he explained, "There are potential benefits from cooperation with North Korea, but on the other hand, there are potential sanctions from the international community," adding, "Russia stands at a rather difficult crossroads."

Georgy Toloraya, head of the Asia Strategy Center at the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained in an interview with Rossiya 24 that the sustainability of Russia-North Korea relations is not high. He also said, "The North Korea-Russia economic relationship is like a 'lightning bolt'." While there is potential for expansion of economic relations between North Korea and Russia, it will not be easy unless North Korea independently improves its business environment or undertakes large-scale economic reforms.

President Putin will visit North Korea for two days starting today. During this period, they are expected to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with North Korea.