Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea for a two-day state visit against the backdrop of his war of aggression against Ukraine. The Kremlin chief was received at the airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. According to observers, the two-day visit will also include further arms deliveries from Pyongyang, which Moscow wants to use in its war against Ukraine.
The main part of the visit starts on Wednesday. The day starts with a meeting between the two heads of state at Kim Il Sung Square, the urban and symbolic center of Pyongyang. After that, long negotiations are planned, first in pairs, then on a larger scale. In addition to several shared meals, a wreath laying ceremony and a joint concert visit have also been announced.
Kim visits Russia
The last time Putin was in North Korea was in 2000, when he was received by Kim’s father, Kim Yong Il. After a long hiatus in their relationship, the relationship has recently expanded significantly – not least because of the war. Putin welcomed Kim to the Russian Far East last fall.
According to information from the White House, an agreement was made to supply North Korean missiles and artillery ammunition to Russia, which Moscow would use in the war. In return, it is also believed that key military technologies will be transferred to Pyongyang, which has been internationally sanctioned over its nuclear program. Both countries have denied such cooperation.
NATO wants to expand partnerships in the Pacific region
Regarding Putin’s visit, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made clear how important he believes it is to expand cooperation between the Atlantic military alliance and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Putin’s visit to North Korea shows and confirms the very close ties between Russia and authoritarian states such as North Korea, but also China and Iran, Stoltenberg said on Tuesday at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington. These states supported and fueled Russian war aggression against Ukraine. “This also shows that our security is not regional. It is global.”
What happens in Europe matters for Asia – and what happens in Asia matters for Europe. “The idea that we can divide security into regional theaters no longer works. Everything is connected and that is why we must tackle these challenges together.” There are also concerns that Russia provides technology for these countries’ missile and nuclear programs. This is one of the reasons why cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific region will be further strengthened during the NATO summit in Washington in July, Stoltenberg emphasized.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
