Cheering crowds and lavish ceremonies greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang on Wednesday, marking a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The rare meeting aims to forge a partnership countering U.S. pressure and sanctions.
An honor guard, including mounted soldiers, and a large crowd of civilians gathered at the square by the Taedong River.
Video broadcast by Russian media showed children holding balloons and giant portraits of the two leaders with national flags adorning the Grand People’s Study Hall. The jubilant scene set the tone for Putin’s first visit to the North Korean capital in 24 years.
Kim and Putin proceeded to the Kumsusan Palace for summit talks.
“We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in the Ukrainian direction,” Putin was quoted by Russian state news agency RIA as saying at the start of their discussions.
He emphasised Moscow’s fight against what he termed the hegemonic and imperialist policies of the United States and its allies.
Kim reciprocated the warm sentiments, stating that North Korea-Russia relations are entering a period of new flowering. The North Korean state news agency KCNA described their partnership as an “engine for accelerating the building of a new multi-polar world,” highlighting the durability and invincibility of their friendship and unity.
Putin’s arrival at Pyongyang’s airport was met with a warm embrace from Kim, with North Korean state media reporting that the two leaders shared “pent-up inmost thoughts” on their ride to the state guest house. The visit signifies a potential reshaping of Russia-North Korea relations at a time when both countries face international isolation.
The partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang has been utilised to needle Washington. Heavily sanctioned North Korea has received political backing and promises of economic support and trade from Moscow.
The U.S. and its allies have expressed concern that Russia could aid North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs, banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions, and have accused Pyongyang of providing ballistic missiles and artillery shells to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny these allegations.
The welcome ceremony for Putin was relatively subdued compared to the grand reception for Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2019. Nonetheless, the leaders exchanged warm greetings beside Putin’s plane before traveling in his Russian-made Aurus limousine through the charmingly lit streets of Pyongyang.
Wednesday’s agenda includes one-on-one discussions between the leaders, a gala concert, state reception, honor guards, document signings, and a statement to the media, as reported by Russia’s Interfax news agency.
In a signal of Russia’s reassessment of its approach to North Korea, Putin praised Pyongyang for resisting U.S. economic pressure, blackmail, and threats.
In an article on the front page of North Korea’s main ruling party newspaper, he promised to “develop alternative trade and mutual settlement mechanisms not controlled by the West” and “build an equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia.”
Putin’s article suggests an opportunity for North Korea’s economic growth within an anti-West economic bloc led by Russia. This message is likely appealing to Kim Jong Un, wrote Rachel Minyoung Lee, an analyst with the 38 North program in Washington.
Lee noted that if Pyongyang views Russia as a viable long-term partner for improving its economy, it might further reduce incentives to improve relations with the United States.
On the eve of his visit, Putin issued a presidential order indicating Moscow’s intention to sign a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” with North Korea, which would include security issues. Ushakov stated that the deal would not target any other country but would outline prospects for further cooperation.
As Putin’s historic visit continues, the world watches closely to see how this evolving partnership will influence global geopolitical dynamics.
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