What did Putin and Kim come to when he went to North Korea 24 years ago?
On the night of June 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to North Korea. He was personally met at the airport by the head of state of the DPRK, Kim Jong-un. This was reported by the Korean Central News Agency.
It is noted that this is Putin's second visit to North Korea in 24 years. His first official visit was made at the beginning of his presidency, in 2000. At that time, he met with the father of the current leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Il, and a joint declaration on cooperation between the two countries was adopted.
The current leader of the DPRK, Kim Jong-un, visited Russia twice, the last time - in the fall of 2023, when he visited the Vostochny cosmodrome with Vladimir Putin. During the same trip, Kim invited Putin to North Korea.
Experts believe that in the third year of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, relations between North Korea and Russia, which provide each other with the necessary tools, have become stronger.
An example of this is when Putin and Kim Jong-un signed an agreement on deepening cooperation between the two countries in Pyongyang on June 19.
"Among other things, the document envisages mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the participants," Putin said on Wednesday after talks with Kim Jong-un.
The Russian president also drew attention to the statements of the United States and other NATO countries about the supply of high-precision long-range weapon systems, F-16 fighter jets and other similar weapons and equipment to Ukraine for striking Russian territory.
"All this is a gross violation of the restrictions undertaken by the Western countries within the framework of various international obligations," the Russian leader added.
According to Russian publications, the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed in Pyongyang will replace the main documents signed between the USSR and the Russian Federation in 1961, 2000 and 2001 and will become the main document that forms the basis of bilateral relations in the long term.
The West is concerned that this could lead to a deepening of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea amid Russia's war against Ukraine. As a result of Putin's visit to the DPRK, Kim Jong-un may decide to increase the volume of ammunition supplies to Russia.
Among other things, Putin and Kim exchanged gifts with each other, noting that a "new era" of bilateral relations is beginning. Putin presented Kim with a new Aurus car, an admiralty dagger and a service, while Kim presented the Russian president with "a number of works of art."
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