OpenAINorth Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, expressed his gratitude to President Vladimir Putin as he wrapped up his nearly week-long visit to Russia, according to state media on Monday.
The tour of Russia’s Far East by Kim has raised concerns in the West about the possibility of Pyongyang providing Moscow with weapons for its war in Ukraine.
During this trip, Kim inspected various aspects, including Russian space rockets and submarines. The visit also involved a symbolic exchange of rifles with Putin.
In its report on Monday, Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency stated that Kim “extended his heartfelt thanks to President Putin and the Russian leadership” for “their special care and cordial hospitality” throughout the visit.
According to KCNA, Kim is returning home “after successfully completing the schedule of his official goodwill visit to the Russian Federation.”
Additionally, he conveyed his well wishes to Russia for prosperity and the well-being of its people.
Both North Korea and Russia, longstanding allies, have been subjected to extensive Western sanctions – Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine and North Korea because of its nuclear weapon tests.
During the visit, Kim emphasized that his country would prioritize bilateral ties with Russia. This came as he engaged in a rare summit with Putin.
Experts suggest that Russia is interested in North Korea’s stockpile of artillery shells for use in Ukraine, while Pyongyang seeks assistance with satellite technology and the modernization of its military equipment from the Soviet era.
On Wednesday, Putin and Kim held talks at Russia’s new Vostochny cosmodrome, approximately 8,000 kilometers from Moscow.
After the meeting, Putin expressed optimism regarding further cooperation with North Korea and the potential for military ties.
However, the Kremlin emphasized that no signed agreements exist or are anticipated.
Aquarium Visit
Prior to his departure, Kim visited the Primorsky Aquarium, Russia’s largest, where he observed a performance by a walrus in the presence of North Korean military officials.
Images released by state media showed Kim applauding and smiling during the walrus performance.
Kim also visited the dolphinarium, where he witnessed dolphins and other sea animals perform acrobatic acts. The KCNA mentioned that he explored various areas of the aquarium and praised its reputation as a popular scientific research base under Putin’s leadership.
According to the KCNA, Kim’s latest visit to Russia will be remembered throughout history and will strengthen the “militant unity” between the two countries while ushering in a new phase of their relationship.
During his meeting with Kim, Putin accepted an invitation to visit North Korea and offered to send a North Korean astronaut to space, which would be a first for the isolated country as its own space program has faced challenges in development.
Kim will travel back to North Korea on his heavily armored train, and the KCNA states that the leader is leaving after bringing about a significant shift in the history of DPRK-Russia relations.
DPRK is the acronym for North Korea’s official name.
Before leaving Vladivostok, the Pacific port city near the border, Kim received gifts from the governor of the Primorye region: five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone, and a bulletproof vest.
