North Korean news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that his "first visit to Russia in nearly four years clearly highlights the 'strategic importance' of the relations between the two countries." Kim arrived in Russia by special train on Tuesday for talks with President Vladimir Putin amid warnings from Washington about the need to refrain from arms exchanges between the two countries.
The report said, "Kim Jong Un pointed out that his visit to the Russian Federation... is clear evidence of the stance of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which prioritizes the strategic significance of relations between the DPRK and Russia."
His movements since then remain unclear, but Japanese news agency Kyodo and South Korean media reported that he may meet with Putin in eastern Russia. The agency noted, "Kim's visit to Russia is his first foreign trip since the COVID-19 pandemic." The report mentioned that his visit aims to elevate the friendship and cooperation between North Korea and Russia to a "higher level." The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea, while the Workers' Party of Korea is the only ruling party in the isolated state.
