North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sworn to strengthen ties with Russia. Kim Jong Un has also pledged loyalty to Putin and Russia.
During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, September 13th, Kim stated that his country would “always be with Russia.”
In the meeting, Putin also mentioned that Moscow could assist North Korea in building satellites. He also hinted that the two countries might discuss military cooperation.
Moreover, he expressed being “very pleased” to see Kim in Russia.
While Kim conveyed to Putin that North Korea would prioritize its bilateral relationship with Russia as the “number one priority,” he also remarked that Russia was facing “hegemonic forces” attempting to undermine its security.
Kim also mentioned that his side provided unconditional and full support for Russia’s actions.
“We always express our unconditional and full support for all actions taken by the Russian government, and I take this opportunity once again to affirm that we will always be with Russia,” Kim said, according to a recording broadcast on Russian TV, as quoted by AFP news agency on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
The two leaders met at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East. Footage released by the Kremlin showed them warmly shaking hands when Kim arrived.
They then toured the assembly and launch facilities of the Angara and Soyuz-2 space rocket launchers before sitting down for talks with their delegations.
Experts suggest that Russia may use these negotiations to seek artillery and anti-tank missiles from North Korea, which in return seeks advanced satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology.
“We will discuss all these issues, without haste. There is still time,” Putin said when asked by journalists whether military cooperation would be on the agenda.
Kim, who traveled to Russia by armored train, was accompanied by a delegation that stated the summit would have a strong military focus.
Among the high-ranking military officials accompanying Kim were Marshal of the Korean People’s Army Pak Jong Chon and Director of the Munitions Industry Department Jo Chun Ryong, according to North Korean state media.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu took part in the talks with Kim, as did Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, as shown on Russian government television.
Putin Calls for Strengthening Cooperation
Putin called for the strengthening of future cooperation with North Korea. He made this statement while hosting Kim Jong Un at a state dinner in Russia’s Far East region.
As reported by AFP on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Putin held talks with Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia in an unprecedented summit meeting, as Moscow increasingly faced isolation from the West due to its invasion of Ukrainian territory over the past year.
“To the strengthening of cooperation and friendship between our countries in the future,” Putin said as he raised his glass for a toast, as seen on Russian government television.
“For the well-being and prosperity of our nations, for the health of the chairman and all those present,” he added.
Putin stood up for the toast at the dinner, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu sitting beside him, facing Kim Jong Un, who was accompanied by a delegation of North Korean officials.
Putin then praised the historical ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, quoting a Russian saying: “An old friend is better than two new ones.”
