Putin arrived in North Korea after 24 years, dictator Kim Jong himself was standing to receive him at the airport, went together in the same car
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea late Tuesday night. According to news agencies ‘RIA-Novosti’ and ‘Interfax’, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un himself arrived at Pyongyang airport to receive Putin. After getting off the plane, Putin hugged Kim Jong Un and left in the same car. Before this, there was a brief conversation between the two. This is Putin’s first visit to North Korea in the last 24 years. According to reports from Russian news agencies, Putin said that both countries want to work together to deal with sanctions in view of the growing confrontation with the US. Various agreements are likely to be signed between the two countries during Putin’s visit. The US has expressed concern over Putin’s visit.
Putin praised Pyongyang
A few hours before arriving in North Korea, Putin praised Pyongyang’s strong support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. This is Putin’s rare visit in the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine. During this, the deep relationship between 40-year-old dictator Kim and 71-year-old Putin is expected to be further strengthened. Putin’s visit comes amid growing concerns about an arms deal that sees North Korea supply Russia with desperately needed weapons in Ukraine in exchange for economic aid and technology transfers.
Putin’s photos on the streets of Pyongyang
Streets in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, were decorated with pictures of Putin and Russian flags. A banner on a building read, “We warmly welcome the President of the Russian Federation.” According to Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, the President is accompanied by several top officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He said several documents would be signed during the visit, possibly including an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Why is Putin’s visit important for North Korea?
Putin’s visit is very important for North Korea as Pyongyang has not hosted any major leader since the COVID-19 pandemic. In a report by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, their alliance has been described as an ‘engine to accelerate the creation of a new multipolar world’. Russia has leveraged its growing ties with North Korea to challenge the US, while heavily sanctioned North Korea has received political support and promises of economic and trade aid from Moscow.
US expressed concern
The US government has described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea as a “matter of great concern”. US Defense Department spokesman Pat Ryder said in Washington on Tuesday, “The deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea should be a matter of concern. Especially for those who are interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also want to support the people of Ukraine.” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said that weapons deliveries from North Korea have enabled Russia to wage its brutal war in Ukraine.
