Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to make his first visit to North Korea in 24 years on Tuesday. During this trip, he will hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang.
The last time the two leaders met was in September at Russia’s Vostochny cosmodrome, but this visit marks Putin’s first official visit to Pyongyang since the year 2000.
The United States has expressed apprehension about the growing relationship between Russia and North Korea.
According to the Kremlin, this visit is categorised as a “friendly state visit,” and there are expectations that Putin and Kim may sign a partnership agreement covering various aspects, including security issues.
They are also expected to issue joint statements to the media.
A parade is anticipated in Kim Il Sung Square during Putin’s visit, and he is scheduled to attend a concert as well as visit the Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Pyongyang, which is the only orthodox church in North Korea.
Reports indicate that Putin will be staying at the Kumsusan guesthouse, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping stayed during his state visit to North Korea in 2019.
Accompanying Putin will be his new defence minister, Andrei Belousov, along with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Ahead of his visit, Putin praised North Korea for its support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, emphasising his intent to establish economic and security partnerships with Pyongyang independent of Western influence.
He expressed solidarity with North Korea in its efforts to protect its interests amid what he described as pressure and military threats from the United States.
Kim Jong Un recently characterised the relationship with Russia as one of “unbreakable comradeship.” During their previous meeting, Putin mentioned the potential for military cooperation with North Korea, while Kim expressed his support for Putin amidst the conflict in Ukraine.
The White House has stated its concerns about the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea.
“We’re not concerned about the trip” by Mr. Putin, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday. “What we are concerned about is the deepening relationship between these two countries.”
John Nilsson-Wright, head of the Japan and Koreas programme at Cambridge University’s Centre for Geopolitics, said Mr Putin is “strengthening ties with its old Cold War partner” in an effort to “counter any suggestion that the US and its allies have been able to isolate Moscow.”
“He is bolstering relations between authoritarian regimes at a time when democratic governments are in a defensive position, confronting global security challenges” in the Middle East, East Asia and Ukraine, he added.
In 2000, early in his presidency, Vladimir Putin met with Kim Jong Il, then the supreme leader of North Korea.
Relations between these two isolated nations have grown stronger in recent years, particularly since Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine.
North Korea is seeking assistance with space technology following its recent failure to successfully launch a second spy satellite, as well as support with food, fuel, and foreign currency.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to face challenges in procuring weaponry for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Washington and Seoul have accused Pyongyang of providing Moscow with artillery and other military equipment, likely in exchange for food, military aid, and technological assistance. Both North Korea and Russia deny any formal arms deal.
Following his visit to North Korea, Putin is anticipated to travel to Vietnam, a longtime Communist ally. During this visit, discussions are expected to cover various issues, including trade.