Russian President Vladimir Putin embarked on a historic journey to North Korea on Tuesday, marking his first visit in 24 years. This visit holds immense significance as it sets the stage for a crucial summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, where they are expected to delve into a range of topics, including sanctions by the United States.
The upcoming summit is a testament to the shared vision of both leaders, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, to fortify the alliance between their countries. They are poised to discuss and devise a strategy to counter what they perceive as Western aggression, a move that underscores their commitment “to hinder the establishment of a multipolarized world order based on mutual respect for justice.”
Last week, Kim sent a message to Putin to commemorate Russia Day in which he expressed a desire to forge “meaningful ties and close comradeship.”
“Our people give full support and solidarity to the successful work of the Russian army and people,” Kim said in his holiday message to Putin. Moscow responded with an equally optimistic message, expressing a desire to cooperate with North Korea “in all possible areas.”
The summit between Kim and Putin is set to culminate in the signing of a new strategic partnership agreement. This agreement, as outlined by Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov, is designed to enhance stability in northeast Asia. The objective is to modernize older versions of cooperation documents signed by the two countries in 1961, 2000, and 2001, according to reports.
“The parties are still working on it, and a final decision regarding its signing will be formed in the coming hours,” Ushakov announced.
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Additionally, the two countries will be working on developing trade agreements that are separate from Western regulations. In an op-ed written by Putin that was published in Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s state-controlled newspaper, Russia’s president announced the countries will cooperate to form new trade and economic systems “that are not controlled by the West.” He also labeled current sanctions against Russia and North Korea as oppressive and “unilateral and illegal restrictive measures.”
In addition to geopolitical issues, the leaders are also expected to discuss ways to increase cooperative initiatives between Russia and North Korea in education, culture, and tourism.
