"Ready to Cooperate with Closely Aligned Friendly Countries"
Remarks Following Confirmation of Kim Jong Un's Visit to Russia
Hints at Expanded 'Economic Cooperation' Between the Two Countries
"It Is a Mistake to Think Trump's Greenland Incorporation Plan Is Nonsense"
Geopolitical Competition in the Arctic Intensifies
Russian President Vladimir Putin inspected the 885M-class (Yasen-M) nuclear-powered submarine "Arkhangelsk" in Murmansk, Russia, on the 27th (local time). President Putin stated that amid the intensifying geopolitical competition over the Arctic due to the United States' attempt to incorporate Greenland, a Danish territory, Russia will also strengthen its military presence in the Arctic. / Photo by EPA, Kremlin Pool, Yonhap News
Russian President Vladimir Putin, seemingly mocking Western warnings about military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, expressed on the 27th (local time) his intention to include North Korea as a partner in the Ukraine ceasefire negotiations. This statement came after Russia officially confirmed the schedule for North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia within the year, and is interpreted as a plan to expand cooperation between the two countries to include economic, infrastructure, and trade sectors. President Putin also publicly hinted that the United States has begun to check Russia over Arctic regional dominance amid its ambitions to incorporate Greenland.
"Ready to Cooperate with North Korea Regarding Ukraine Ceasefire Negotiations"
According to Russian state news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti on the day, President Putin, during a visit to Murmansk, Russia's northwesternmost city, expressed readiness to cooperate with friendly countries closely aligned with Russia, such as North Korea and China, in relation to the Ukraine ceasefire negotiations. He said, "We welcome any moves to resolve this issue," adding, "Not only the United States but also BRICS countries including China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and North Korea are included."
This remark came amid the close ties between the two leaders following Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko's announcement the previous day that Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia is being prepared this year. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said, "Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, will visit Russia this year," adding, "We are currently negotiating the details, timing, and program of the visit, and will inform once an agreement is reached," according to TASS.
The foundation of the close relationship between the two countries lies in the Russia-Ukraine war that began with Russia's invasion in 2022. Russia and North Korea have faced significant international criticism for inhumane actions such as deploying North Korean troops as 'cannon fodder' on the frontline in Kurkusu. However, President Putin explicitly stated in his remarks that cooperation with North Korea is ongoing in military technology and other fields. He reiterated the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between North Korea and Russia in June last year, saying, "Article 4 says a lot about what and how we should support each other," and added, "Such cooperation is underway in the military and military-technical sectors." Article 4 contains provisions on military and other assistance between the two countries in the event of war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen on the 27th (local time) in Murmansk talking with participants of the 'Children's Arctic Expedition' hosted by Rosatom, together with Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev. Photo by TASS and Yonhap News.
US Ambition to Incorporate Greenland... Russia's Arctic Route Development Gains Momentum
President Putin also expressed the view that former US President Donald Trump's plan to incorporate Greenland as US territory is not a baseless idea. Previously, Trump repeatedly asserted his intention to incorporate Greenland into the United States despite Denmark's opposition. If Greenland becomes US territory, the likelihood of continued US involvement will increase. In this case, NATO's influence over the Arctic region would strengthen, potentially threatening Russia, according to some analyses.
Regarding Trump's Greenland incorporation plan, President Putin said, "It is a mistake to think it is just ridiculous rhetoric from the new US administration." He added, "We are talking about serious US plans concerning Greenland," and "These plans have deep historical roots." He argued that Trump's Greenland incorporation claim should be viewed in the context of intensifying geopolitical competition surrounding the Arctic.
President Putin explained, "It is clear that the role and importance of the Arctic are growing for Russia and the rest of the world," adding, "Unfortunately, geopolitical competition and struggles to secure footholds in this region are also intensifying." He further stated, "Russia faces major challenges in the Arctic," and "We must strengthen transportation and logistics infrastructure while mandatorily protecting the sensitive Arctic ecosystem and expanding economic and business opportunities." He also mentioned that Belarus, China, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have shown interest in developing Arctic transport infrastructure.
President Putin said, "Generally, NATO countries are increasingly designating the far north as a potential conflict zone," and added, "Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic, but we will closely monitor developments and respond accordingly."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
