- creator, Shaima Khalil and George Wright
- Position, BBC Information, Seoul and London
- Report from London and Seoul
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Russian President Vladimir Putin praised North Korea for its “sturdy assist” for Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine, forward of his first go to to Pyongyang in 24 years.
Putin is predicted to reach within the capital to fulfill North Korean chief Kim Jong Un on Tuesday.
The 2 leaders final met in September on the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russia’s far east, however that is Putin’s first go to to Pyongyang since 2000.
In a message printed by North Korean state media, Putin promised to construct commerce and safety techniques with Pyongyang which can be “not managed by the West.”
President Putin additionally pledged to assist Pyongyang’s efforts to defend its pursuits regardless of what he known as “US navy strain, blackmail and threats,” within the article printed within the Rodong Sinmun newspaper, the mouthpiece of North Korea’s ruling social gathering.
He mentioned that the 2 nations would proceed “agency opposition” to what he described as Western ambitions “to impede the institution of a multipolar world order based mostly on mutual respect for justice.”
America expressed its concern in regards to the “deep relationship between these two nations.”
The Kremlin described the occasion as a “pleasant state go to” with Russian media reporting that Putin and Kim might signal a partnership settlement, together with on safety points, and can make joint statements to the media.
A parade is predicted to be held at Kim Il Sung Sq.. Putin can also be anticipated to look at a live performance and go to the Orthodox Church of the Life-giving Trinity in Pyongyang, the one Orthodox church in North Korea.
There are stories that Putin will keep at Kumsusan Guesthouse in Pyongyang, the place Chinese language chief Xi Jinping final stayed throughout his official go to to North Korea in 2019.
Putin is predicted to reach accompanied by his new Protection Minister Andrei Belousov, whereas Overseas Minister Sergei Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak can even be a part of the delegation.
Kim mentioned final week that relations with Russia “have developed into an unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms.”
Throughout their assembly final yr, Putin mentioned he noticed “prospects” for navy cooperation with North Korea, whereas Kim wished the Russian president “victory” in Ukraine.
The White Home mentioned that the USA is anxious about nearer relations between Russia and North Korea.
“We’re not involved in regards to the journey” of Putin, Nationwide Safety Council spokesman John Kirby instructed reporters on Monday. “What worries us is the deepening of the connection between these two nations.”
John Nelson Wright, head of the Japan and the Koreas program on the Middle for Geopolitics on the College of Cambridge, mentioned Putin is “strengthening ties along with his outdated Chilly Warfare companion” in an try to “counter any suggestion that the USA and its allies are able to doing so.” To isolate Moscow.
He added that it “strengthens relations between authoritarian regimes at a time when democratic governments are on the defensive and dealing with international safety challenges” within the Center East, East Asia and Ukraine.
In 2000, originally of his presidential profession, Putin met Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, who was nonetheless the supreme chief.
Relations between the 2 pariah nations have elevated lately, particularly since Russia’s complete invasion of Ukraine.
Whereas Russia faces a seamless scarcity of weapons in its conflict in Ukraine.
Washington and Seoul have accused Pyongyang of supplying Moscow with artillery and different gear, probably in alternate for meals, navy help and expertise. Each North Korea and Russia deny the existence of an arms deal.
After visiting North Korea, Putin is predicted to go to Vietnam, a communist nation and longtime ally, the place the 2 nations are anticipated to debate points akin to commerce.
