Seoul, Sep 18 (EFE).- Kim Jong-un is returning to North Korea after “successfully” concluding a visit to Russia that will mark a “new radical turn in the development of bilateral relations” between both countries, North Korean state media reported Monday.
A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) shaking hands with Minister of Defense of Russia Sergei Shoigu (R) during a visit to Vladivostok, Russia, 16 September 2023 (issued 17 September 2023). EFE/EPA/KCNA EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Kim left the city of Vladivostok on Sunday, the North Korean state news agency KCNA reported on Monday, alongside photographs of the North Korean leader participating in a farewell ceremony at the Artyom-Primorsky train station.
A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) speaking with Minister of Defense of Russia Sergei Shoigu (C-R) during a visit to Vladivostok, Russia, 16 September 2023 (issued 17 September 2023). EFE/EPA/KCNA EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Kim “extended his heartfelt thanks to President [Vladimir] Putin and the Russian leadership and people for their special care and cordial hospitality in every place during the whole period of his visit to Russia, wishing Russia prosperity and its people well-being,” KCNA quoted him as saying.
The North Korean leader has concluded a six-day visit to Russia during which he held a summit with Putin, and visited economic, scientific, educational, cultural and especially military facilities, amid rumors of potential cooperation in this last area.
During his stay, Kim promised Russia his full support and made several allusions to supporting its invasion of Ukraine.
Although the details of the meeting between Kim and Putin have not been made public, the Russian president said afterwards that there is room for military and space cooperation between the two countries.
According to media outlets such as The New York Times last week, citing US intelligence sources, Kim could be willing to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine with anti-tank missiles and artillery ammunition, while Pyongyang could receive, in addition to food aid, satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology.
In addition to Putin, the North Korean leader met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanges in military matters, according to state media.
Kim’s visit to Russia is the longest trip he has made to any country since he began governing in 2011 and, according to KCNA, the tour “will shine long in history as the occasion of further consolidating the traditional ties of good neighbor and cooperation between the DPRK and Russia based on the comradely friendship and militant unity and opening up a new chapter of the development of the bilateral relations.” EFE
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