Russian President Vladimir Putin has commended North Korea for backing Russia’s war in Ukraine, ahead of his first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years.
Putin is set to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the capital on Tuesday.
The leaders last met in September at a spaceport in Russia’s far east, but this is Putin’s first trip to Pyongyang since 2000.
In a letter published in North Korean state media, Putin vowed to establish trade and security systems with North Korea that are independent of the West.
In an article in North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun, President Putin pledged support for Pyongyang against “US pressure, blackmail, and military threats.” He stated that Russia and North Korea would continue to oppose Western efforts to block a multipolar world based on mutual respect.
The U.S. expressed concern about the growing ties between the two countries. The Kremlin called Putin’s visit a “friendly state visit,” with Russian media reporting that Putin and Kim might sign a partnership agreement on security and issue joint statements to the media.
A parade in Kim Il Sung Square is expected, along with Putin attending a concert and visiting Pyongyang’s only Orthodox church.
Putin may stay at the Kumsusan guesthouse, previously used by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2019.
He will be accompanied by his new defense minister, Andrei Belousov, along with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Kim Jong Un recently described ties with Russia as an “unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms.”
During their last meeting, Putin mentioned potential military cooperation, and Kim wished Russia success in Ukraine.
The White House
The White House expressed concern about the growing ties between Russia and North Korea. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized worries about their deepening relationship, not Putin’s visit itself.
John Nilsson-Wright from Cambridge University noted that Putin is strengthening ties with North Korea to counter claims that the US has isolated Moscow, bolstering relations between authoritarian regimes as democratic governments face global security challenges.
In 2000, Putin met Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un’s father. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, ties between Russia and North Korea have increased. North Korea seeks space technology, food, fuel, and currency, while Russia needs weapons for its war in Ukraine.
Washington and Seoul claim North Korea supplies Moscow with artillery in exchange for food, military aid, and technology, but both countries deny any arms deal.
After visiting North Korea, Putin is to visit Vietnam to discuss trade and other issues with the long-time ally.
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