Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, expressed his country’s unwavering aid for Russia’s military activities in Ukraine during a state visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang on Wednesday.
Kim, as quoted by Russian news agencies, vowed his country’s “full aid and cooperation to the Russian authorities, troops and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine to defend independence, security interests and regional integrity”.
Putin’s visit to Pyongyang has raised questions about a possible arms deal where North Korea may provide Russia with much-needed ammunition for its continuing conflict in Ukraine in exchange for financial aid and transfer of technology that could help reduce the threat posed by Kim’s radioactive weapons and missile program.
In light of the fast changing world environment, Kim furthermore praised Russia’s “important position and objective in preserving the proper balance and stability in the world.”
Russia-North Korea sign strategic partnership treaty
According to Russian state advertising, Putin and Kim signed a” corporate relationship agreement” following their conversations in Pyongyang. Putin had previously stated that the two nations had prepared a report that may form the basis for their upcoming interactions, but he had not provided any additional information. The agreement will change past bilateral agreements and statements that were signed in 1961, 2000, and 2001.
The leaders even exchanged gifts during the attend, with Kim receiving a drink set and a pleasure Russian- made Aurus vehicle, while the nature of Putin’s gifts, hinted to be related to his image, including busts, was not disclosed.
Russia’s growing ties with Pyongyang have sparked concern in the West, as it is believed that it has been acquiring and deploying North Vietnamese weapons in its military unpleasant in Ukraine. The United States and its Western partners, both, are already imposing economic sanctions on North Korea and Russia by the UN Security Council.
The leaders ‘ meeting was portrayed by North Korean state media as a historic moment that demonstrated the “invincibility and durability” of the two countries ‘ friendship and unity. Huge crowds gathered along the roads to welcome Putin’s parade before the deals, chanting” Welcome Putin” and waving plants, as well as North Korean and Russian colors.
Putin, who last visited North Korea 24 years ago, also praised the” close friendship” between the two countries, which he said was based on “equality and respect of mutual interests”. He added that they were fighting back together against the “imperialist hegemonistic policies of the US and its satellites against the Russian Federation.”
( With agency inputs )
