After a gap of 24 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits North Korea and meets the country’s dictator Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Wednesday.
Both the leaders shook hands, hugged each other twice, and later sat with him on a limousine in a large motorcade, which traveled through the brightly lit streets of the capital, adorned with large Russian flags and portraits of Putin on buildings.
Later, the Russian president was greeted by many people, who were standing by the Taedong River that flows through the capital.
The scene consisted of the children holding balloons, and large portraits of the two leaders alongside national flags, adorning the Grand People’s Study Hall.
The north korean media, described their meeting as historic, which reflects ‘invincibility and durability’ of two country’s friendship and unity.
Meanwhile, Putin before his arrival, declared, that they will cooperate and present a united front against US-led sanctions and will enhance their partnership.
Furthermore, Putin also praised North Korea for supporting Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
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JUST IN: 🇷🇺 🇰🇵 Russian President Putin arrives in North Korea to meet with Kim Jong Un. pic.twitter.com/3LeVNu369b
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This significant visit comes around the time, when the world is already worried about the potential arms arrangement between two countries, as Pyongyang can potentially give ammunitions to Russia, to support latter’s conflict in Ukraine in return for economic and technological assistance. Which can strengthen the threat posed by North Korea nuclear weapons and its missile program.
According to Russia’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, he revealed, that Several documents are expected to be signed during the visit, including an agreement related to comprehensive strategic partnership.
Moreover, talks might also include about the expansion of cooperation in various sectors like agriculture, fisheries, mining and tourism.
As per South Korean think tank, North Korea might try to increase its labour export and enhance its illegal activities to acquire foreign currency. Thus, bypassing sanctions of UN security council.
US Reacts To The Meet
Meanwhile, reacting to this meet, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared, that this meet reflects Russia’s desperation to continue to fund its war against Ukraine.
‘In desperation, to develop and to strengthen relations with countries that can provide it with what it needs to continue the war of aggression that it started against Ukraine.’
Earlier, Blinken also accused North Korea of funding Russia’s war against Ukraine.
While talking to reporters after his meeting with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said,
‘North Korea is providing significant munitions to Russia … and other weapons for use in Ukraine. Iran has been providing weaponry, including drones, that have been used against civilians and civilian infrastructure.’