North Korea’s Kim to visit Russia on invitation of Putin
SEOUL: North Korea said Monday that leader Kim Jong Un would visit Russia and meet President Vladimir Putin, with the reclusive leader’s armoured train reportedly on its way to the border.
Experts suggest that Putin is seeking artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, while Kim is reportedly in search of advanced technology for satellites and nuclearpowered submarines, as well as food aid for his impoverished nation.
Kim “will soon visit the Russian Federation at the invitation of ... Putin,” the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said.
“The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un will meet and have a talk with Comrade Putin during the visit,” it added.
The Kremlin also confirmed Monday that Kim would visit Russia “in the coming days”.
Kim has not travelled outside North Korea since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency quoted an unidentified official as saying “intelligence authorities believe the train presumed to be carrying Kim Jong-un is moving to Vladivostok”.
Broadcaster YTN said Seoul “expects that Chairman Kim will hold a meeting with President Putin of Russia around the day after tomorrow”, meaning Wednesday.
Moscow, a historical ally of Pyongyang, was a crucial backer of the isolated country for decades and their ties go back to the founding of North Korea 75 years ago.
Kim has been steadfast in his support for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles. In July, Putin hailed Pyongyang’s “firm support for special military operations against Ukraine”.
Vladivostok will be hosting the Eastern Economic Forum until Wednesday.
Kim has become well-known for his preference for train travel when it comes to international trips. His father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, was famously scared of flying.
The current leader reportedly lacks confidence in his private jet and harbours “concerns about the potential for aerial bombing by Washington”, said Yang Moojin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.