Seoul, Sep 11 (EFE).- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took part in a photo session with the participants of a paramilitary parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the country’s founding amid speculations of a possible visit to Russia, state media reported Monday.
The photo session took place in Pyongyang on Sunday, news agency KCNA said.
Since last week, there has been speculation about the North Korean leader’s possible trip to Russia.
The New York Times daily and other English media outlets reported that Kim planned to travel to Vladivostok to meet Putin on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum that is being held until Wednesday.
According to the newspaper, Putin wants North Korea to send artillery and anti-tank missiles to Russia, which Moscow could use in Ukraine, while Pyongyang is seeking advanced technology for the manufacture of satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as food aid.
However, the Kremlin has remained silent about a possible meeting between the two leaders and has only said that Putin, who is scheduled to arrive in Vladivostok on Monday, will meet Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing and Laos’ Vice President Pany Yathotou on the sidelines of the event this week.
The North Korean media has also kept silent on the possible trip.
On Sunday, South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing anonymous sources, reported that no signs of activity had been detected at the Vladivostok and Khasan train stations, where Kim’s train was likely to pass through.
In April 2019, Kim traveled to Vladivostok, where he held his first and only summit with Putin to date.
Meanwhile, the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) has said that the North Korean leader could opt for “a different route than what is expected” to reach Vladivostok, a city that can also be reached by plane, by sea or even by road. EFE
asb/pd
