North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have met in the far eastern Amur region of Russia, with Kim telling Putin that he will support his country in the “sacred fight” against the “hegemonic forces” — believed to be in reference to the West.
It is the North Korean dictator’s first trip abroad in four years, with the bilateral talks held amid warnings from Washington that the two countries should not trade weapons.
Experts say Putin is seeking to secure artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, with Kim in return seeking access to Russian technology for nuclear-powered submarines, along with food aid — in a deal which would defy international sanctions.
The pair sat down for official talks about a potential arms deal this morning, meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome with Kim, speaking through a translator, pledging to support “the fight against imperialism.”
In a 20-second video of the meeting, broadcast on Russian TV, Kim told the Russian President that North Korea was supportive of Russia’s decisions in the war. “We will always be with Russia,” he stated emphatically.
“Russia has risen to a sacred fight to protect its sovereignty and security […] against the hegemonic forces. North Korea supports all Putin’s decisions.”
“We will always support the decisions of President Putin and the Russian leadership… and we will be together in the fight against imperialism.”
“We have always expressed full and unconditional support for all the measures taken by the Russian government, and I take this opportunity again to affirm that we will always be with Russia,” Kim said.
Meeting at the remote spaceport, Putin and Kim shook hands, with Putin telling Kim, “I am glad to see you […] This is our new cosmodrome.”
The Russian leader said the location was selected as the meeting spot as Moscow plans to assist North Korea with building satellites. During this morning’s meeting, he confirmed that Russia will help North Korea to build satellites.
“The leader of the DPRK shows great interest in rocket technology, and they are trying to develop (their presence in) space,” Putin said.
Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, was also in attendance at the cosmodrome meeting.
According to Russian media, Kim responded by thanking Putin for the invitation to a Russia, “despite being busy.”
Yesterday, as Kim arrived in Russia by private train, Putin responded to reporters asking about possible military cooperation, by saying the pair would “talk about all the issues” — adding, “There is time.”
Ahead of todays meeting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “It will be a fully fledged visit. There will be negotiations between two delegations, and after that, if necessary, the leaders will continue their communication in a one-on-one format.”
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