Putin’s state visit to North Korea:
Russian President Vladimir Putin has a “very busy agenda” for his state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, during which he is expected to hold comprehensive talks with the country's leadership on economic and security cooperation, along with global issues.
Kim Jong-un personally greeted Putin upon his arrival at Pyongyang airport early on Wednesday, and the two leaders are expected to hold face-to-face talks to discuss “the most important, the most sensitive issues” after an official welcoming ceremony.
Russia and North Korea are expected to sign a number of bilateral documents, including a landmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.
19 June 2024
09:35 GMTNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un has described the newly signed Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang as a “peaceful and defensive” document.
“I have no doubt that it will become a driving force in accelerating the creation of a new multipolar world,” Kim said.
- 09:08 GMT
Russian foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov has revealed that the Russian and North Korean leaders have exchanged gifts. “We presented [Kim Jong-un] with an ‘Aurus’ car,” Ushakov said. The Russian-made family of vehicles includes limousines for senior officials. Putin and his North Korean counterpart were driven from the airport in one upon the Russian leader’s arrival in Pyongyang earlier on Wednesday. According to Ushakov, the Russian delegation also gifted Kim a naval dirk and a “very beautiful tea set.”
The official did not disclose what Putin had received in exchange, merely noting that he had been given “nice gifts, too.”
“They are connected with depictions of our president,” he hinted, adding that all of them are “of quite a high artistic value, including busts.”
- 08:35 GMT
Following talks in Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will replace similar documents sealed back in 1961 and 2000.
Earlier on Wednesday, Putin said a “new fundamental document has been prepared that will lay the groundwork for our relations in the long term.”
Ahead of the top-level meeting, Russian presidential foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov explained the need for a new accord, citing the “deep evolution of the geopolitical situation in the world and the region, as well as the qualitative changes that have taken place in bilateral relations recently.” The agreement is not directed against any particular state, but rather promotes stability in northeastern Asia, he added. Ushakov stopped short of disclosing whether the document would encompass military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, merely noting that it would take into account all the latest developments, including “security issues.”
- 07:09 GMT
The leaders of Russia and North Korea have wrapped up one-on-one discussions, which followed talks between the countries’ delegations. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un are about to sign a number of bilateral documents at an official ceremony, before addressing the media.
- 06:17 GMT
Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, involving both countries’ delegations, have concluded in Pyongyang. The negotiations lasted for an hour and a half. The two leaders are also expected to hold a one-on-one meeting later in the day.
- 06:12 GMT
Kim Jong-un has said North Korea “appreciates the Russian Federation’s important mission and role in upholding strategic stability and balance in the world.” He stressed that Pyongyang “fully supports and stands in solidarity with the Russian government, army and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine.” The North Korean leader further pledged to back Moscow’s policies going forward. Putin, in turn, thanked his counterpart for his consistent support.
- 05:56 GMT
President Putin revealed that “today a new fundamental document has been prepared that will lay the groundwork for our relations in the long term.”
- 05:45 GMT
President Putin recalled that relations between Russia and North Korea are rooted in the two nations’ common struggle against the Japanese military during World War II, with the Red Army soldiers playing a key role in liberating the Korean peninsula. The Russian head of state also noted that Soviet military personnel provided assistance to the DPRK during the Korea War in the early 1950’s.
- 05:44 GMT
As talks got underway, the Russian president pointed out that the “interaction between our countries is based on the principles of equality [and] mutual respect of each other’s interests.” President Putin stated that the “solid friendship and close neighborliness” between Russia and the DPRK have spanned many decades.
According to the Russian leader, both Moscow and Pyongyang are fighting against the “US and its satellite states’ hegemonic and imperialist policies.” He also expressed gratitude to the North Korean leader for supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
- 05:43 GMT
Speaking at the start of official talks with Kim Jong-un, President Putin expressed confidence that “our negotiations today will be productive.” The Russian head of state noted that the governments of both Russia and North Korea have been actively working to ensure that agreements sealed at previous top-level meetings materialize.
“I am very happy about our new meeting. I hope the next one will be held in Russia, in Moscow,” President Putin added, thanking his counterpart for his invitation to visit Pyongyang.
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