Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to make a historic visit to North Korea on Tuesday, marking his first trip to the reclusive nation in 24 years. The visit comes as tensions between North Korea and the United States continue to simmer, with the Kremlin describing the event as a “friendly state visit.”
During his visit, Mr. Putin will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for talks in the capital, Pyongyang. The two leaders last met in September in Vladivostok, Russia, but this will be Mr. Putin’s first visit to Pyongyang since 2000.
The United States has expressed concerns about the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea, with the Kremlin reportedly planning to sign a partnership agreement with North Korea on security issues. A parade in Kim Il Sung square is anticipated, along with joint statements to the media from Mr. Putin and Mr. Kim.
In addition to official meetings, Mr. Putin is expected to watch a concert and visit the Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Pyongyang, the only orthodox church in North Korea. Reports suggest that Mr. Putin will stay at the Kumsusan guesthouse, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping stayed during his state visit to North Korea in 2019.
Accompanying Mr. Putin on his visit will be his new defense minister, Andrei Belousov, as well as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. The Russian president has praised North Korea for its support of Moscow’s actions in Ukraine and has vowed to support Pyongyang in defending its interests against US pressure.
The visit is seen as a further strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea, with Mr. Kim describing the relationship as an “unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms.” The White House has expressed concerns about the growing closeness between the two countries, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Following his visit to North Korea, Mr. Putin is expected to travel to Vietnam, a long-time ally of Russia, to discuss issues such as trade. The visit is likely to further solidify Russia’s presence in the region and its relationships with key Asian nations.
