Seoul, South KoreaShortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hugged Russia’s Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at Pyongyang airport on Wednesday, the two leaders shared their “inmost thoughts” and agreed to develop their nations’ relations, state media said. North Koreans.
Putin, who arrived before dawn, is making his first trip to the North Korean capital in 24 years, a visit that is likely to upend decades of relations between Russia and North Korea at a time when both countries face international isolation, according to information from Reuters.
The partnership between both countries is an “engine to accelerate the construction of a new multipolar world” and Putin’s visit demonstrates the invincibility and durability of their friendship and unity, declared the North Korean state news agency KCNA.
Russia has used its strong ties with North Korea to embarrass Washington, while heavily sanctioned North Korea has won political backing and promises of economic support and trade from Moscow.
The United States and its allies say they fear Russia could provide aid to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions, and have accused Pyongyang of providing ballistic missiles and artillery shells that Russia has used it in its Ukraine war.
Moscow and Pyongyang have denied arms transfers.
Kim greeted Putin, shaking his hand, hugging him and speaking next to the Russian leader’s plane. The two then traveled in the same limousine to the Kumsusan State Guest House.
“Passing through the charmingly illuminated streets of Pyongyang at night, the top leaders exchanged their innermost thoughts and opened their minds to more securely develop DPRK-Russia relations,” KCNA reported, using the initials of North Korea’s official name. .
Wednesday’s agenda includes individual talks between the two leaders, as well as a gala concert, a state reception, guards of honor, signing of documents and a statement to the media, according to the Russian agency Interfax, citing the adviser of Putin’s foreign policy, Yuri Ushakov.
In a sign that Russia, a veto-wielding member of the U.N. Security Council, is reconsidering its entire approach to North Korea, Putin praised Pyongyang before his arrival for resisting what he called economic pressure, blackmail and threats from the United States.
In an article published on the front page of North Korea’s main ruling party newspaper, he promised to “develop alternative trade and mutual settlement mechanisms not controlled by the West” and “build an equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia.”
Putin also issued a presidential order on the eve of the visit stating that Moscow intended to sign a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” with North Korea. Ushakov said it would include security issues.
With information from Reuters
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