The Korean Central News Agency reported today, Thursday, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Pyongyang during their discussions in Russia. Kim is expected to continue his visit by inspecting military production facilities. The North Korean official agency stated that Putin accepted the invitation but did not mention a possible date for the visit.
The agency added that Kim informed Putin that their meeting in the Russian Far East elevated the bilateral relations between the two countries to a new level, and he expressed his readiness to establish stable relations with Russia for the next hundred years. The invitation was extended at the end of a reception held by Putin for Kim after they visited the Vostochny Cosmodrome and held discussions on bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between the two sides.
The agency stated, "At the end of the reception, Kim Jong Un extended a friendly invitation to Putin to visit North Korea at a time suitable for him." The statement said, "Putin gladly accepted the invitation and reaffirmed his desire to firmly advance the ties and traditions of friendship between Russia and North Korea."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that there are no plans for Putin to visit Pyongyang.
Cooperation Against "Imperialists"
The Korean agency reported that the two leaders agreed to strengthen strategic and tactical cooperation in facing the "military threats and provocations and tyranny of imperialists."
Kim was briefed on all technical details related to Russian space vehicles during his visit to the Vostochny base, but there was no mention of any arms supplies or trade or technical assistance related to its programs. The Korean Central News Agency, without going into details, stated that Kim "departed after the reception for his next destination."
Kim arrived in the Russian Far East early on Tuesday by private train and continued his journey north to attend the summit with Putin at the space base.
U.S. and South Korean officials have expressed concern that Kim may supply Russia with weapons and ammunition, which it has consumed vast amounts of during its war in Ukraine for more than 18 months. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied such intentions.
The U.S. State Department stated that the Biden administration "will not hesitate" to impose additional sanctions on Russia and North Korea if they finalize any new arms deals. The State Department remarked on Wednesday that it is "concerning" for Russia to discuss cooperation with North Korea in programs that could potentially violate United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Russian President Putin indicated yesterday that he discussed military cooperation between the two countries with Kim, but did not disclose further details. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attended the meeting. The Kremlin described the discussions between the two countries as "sensitive" and a private matter.
