Before concluding his trip, Kim had a close-up view of Russia’s strategic bombers and warplanes at an airport near Vladivostok.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has wrapped up his six-day visit to Russia, a journey that sparked global concerns about potential weapons transfer agreements between two countries involved in separate standoffs with Western nations. Kim’s armored train departed as the sound of the Russian patriotic march song ‘Farewell of Slavianka’ marked the end of a farewell ceremony at a railway station in Artyom, a far eastern Russian city near the North Korean border.
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Kim Jong Un’s Diplomatic Farewell
Notable dignitaries attended the farewell ceremony, including Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov and Primorye regional Governor Oleg Kozhemyako. The ceremony featured a Russian military band performing both North Korean and Russian national anthems. This trip marks Kim’s longest foreign travel since assuming power in late 2011.
Deepening Defense Cooperation
During his visit, Kim met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and toured significant military and technology facilities. This underscored the growing defense cooperation between North Korea and Russia, coinciding with their separate confrontations with the United States and its allies.
Weapons Transfer Concerns
Foreign officials and experts have expressed concerns that North Korea could provide munitions to support Russia’s conflict in Ukraine in exchange for advanced Russian weapons technology, advancing Kim’s nuclear ambitions. Despite North Korea’s aging artillery systems known for their poor accuracy, they may still possess tens of millions of artillery shells and rockets based on Soviet designs.
International Condemnation
The United Nations Security Council resolutions, previously endorsed by Russia as a permanent member, prohibit North Korea from exporting or importing arms. Observers argue that Russia’s alleged attempts to obtain munitions from North Korea indicate desperation to replenish its depleted arsenal amid the war in Ukraine.
South Korea’s Response
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol strongly condemned the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, emphasizing its violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and international sanctions. He called for greater unity within the international community in response to such actions.
Kim Jong Un’s Lighter Moments
During his trip, Kim Jong Un also had leisurely experiences, including a visit to a university and attending a walrus show at a Russian aquarium. Videos released by Russia’s state media showed Kim engaging with Russian officials at the Far Eastern Federal University and enjoying performances featuring marine animals.
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Future Delegations and Economic Ties
Governor Kozhemyako announced that a delegation from Russia’s Far East would visit North Korea, covering trade, tourism, and agriculture sectors. The timing of the visit hasn’t been disclosed.
Inspection of Military Assets
Before concluding his trip, Kim had a close-up view of Russia’s strategic bombers and warplanes at an airport near Vladivostok. He inspected the Admiral Shaposhnikov frigate and visited an aircraft plant that produces powerful fighter jets used in Ukraine.
Strategic Discussions and Missile Technologies
During Kim’s visit, he discussed regional security and enhanced cooperation between the armed forces of North Korea and Russia with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The summit was held at Russia’s main space launch site, highlighting Kim’s interest in acquiring space-based reconnaissance assets and missile technologies.
Future of North Korean space programs
Kim’s discussions with Putin touched on North Korea’s aspiration to launch a spy satellite into space, a goal previously met with failure. Kim invited Putin to visit North Korea, marking their second summit meeting following their initial meeting in Vladivostok in 2019. This second summit comes after Kim’s nuclear diplomacy with former U.S. President Donald Trump ended inconclusively in 2019.
(With AP Inputs)
