The Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a state visit to North Korea on June 18 and 19 at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as announced by the official Central News Agency of North Korea. Though details about the meeting are scarce, Russia has confirmed the “friendly” visit in an advertisement published simultaneously.
Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin’s international adviser, stated that informal contacts between both leaders will be a key part of the negotiations during the meeting, with sensitive issues being addressed. Ushakov emphasized that there will be face-to-face meetings between Putin and Kim, as well as discussions in different formats involving other members of the delegations, including senior officials such as the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense.
Kim has previously expressed a strong camaraderie with Putin, referring to their “unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms.” The Kremlin has expressed its desire to build partnerships with North Korea in various areas. The growing closeness between Kim Jong-un and Putin has been evident in recent years, with Kim withdrawing from talks with the United States and strengthening ties with Russia after a failed summit with former US President Donald Trump.
Kim’s historic visit to Russia in 2023 signaled the importance of the relationship with Moscow, with North Korea prioritizing ties with Russia. This current visit is seen as an opportunity to deepen military cooperation between the two nations, with Russia possibly providing North Korea with artillery ammunition and other weapons systems in exchange for technology improvements in North Korea’s long-range strategic weapons. Despite concerns about potential arms trade violations of UN Security Council resolutions, Russia’s influence and North Korea’s need for military supplies continue to shape the relationship between the two countries. As preparations for Putin’s visit to North Korea continue, the world closely watches
