By Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

6 minutes read. Updated 11:00AM GMT Wed, June 19, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin was received with exuberant fanfare as he arrived in North Korea early Wednesday morning. Thousands of enthusiastic North Koreans lined the wide boulevards of Pyongyang, waving Russian and North Korean flags and bouquets of flowers, chanting “welcome Putin” as Russian President Vladimir Putin began his first visit to North Korea in 24 years. The occasion marked a significant moment in the deepening ties between the two nations amid global concerns over their growing military cooperation.

At Kim Il Sung Square, located in the heart of Pyongyang, he participated in a grand welcome ceremony alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The square was adorned with large portraits of both leaders, and the atmosphere was charged with the presence of mounted soldiers, military personnel, and children holding balloons.

The two leaders presented their respective officials and stood together as the Russian national anthem played. Following the ceremony, they rode together in an open-top limousine, standing shoulder to shoulder, waving and smiling at the crowds that lined the streets.

A Historic Visit Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

Putin’s visit to North Korea comes exactly 24 years after his last trip to Pyongyang, highlighting the enduring and evolving relationship between the two countries. This visit is seen as a testament to their deepening alignment against the backdrop of shared animosity toward the West and growing international concerns about their military collaborations.

Multiple governments have accused North Korea of supplying arms to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, allegations both nations have consistently denied despite substantial evidence suggesting such transfers.

During his remarks, Kim Jong Un expressed his “full support and solidarity with the struggles of the Russian government, military, and people,” particularly in relation to the war in Ukraine, framing it as a fight to protect Russia’s sovereignty and stability.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Putin emphasized the strength of North Korea-Russia relations, describing them as based on “equality and mutual respect.” He indicated that a new bilateral agreement would form the foundation of their relations for many years, as reported by Russian state agency Tass. Putin also extended an invitation to Kim Jong Un to visit Moscow for their next meeting.

This visit has sparked concern in both Seoul and Washington, not only over potential arms transfer from North Korea to Russia but also the possibility of Moscow providing advanced military technology to support Pyongyang’s heavily sanctioned weapons program.

A Show of Unwavering Support

Kim Jong Un, visibly pleased, greeted Putin warmly at the airport. This landmark visit is a significant boost for Kim, who has faced isolation on the global stage due to North Korea’s illegal weapons program. It is the first time he has hosted another world leader in Pyongyang since the pandemic.

The North Korean state media highlighted the close rapport between Kim and Putin, describing their interactions as heartfelt and focused on developing North Korea-Russia relations.

Historical Context and Future Implications

Putin’s visit comes after Kim Jong Un’s landmark visit to Russia last year, which was widely viewed as the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, driven by Putin’s need for North Korean arms for Russia’s ongoing military operations.

Since September, Russia has reportedly received over 10,000 shipping containers from North Korea, amounting to 260,000 metric tons of munitions or related materials. This support is seen as crucial for Russia, especially as delayed American military aid to Ukraine becomes available.

In his comments, Putin thanked North Korea for its “consistent and unwavering support,” particularly in relation to the conflict in Ukraine and against the “hegemonic” policies of the United States, framing both countries as united against a US-led world order.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Putin’s last visit to Pyongyang was in 2000, meeting Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong Il. That visit was significant as it marked the first time a Russian head of state visited North Korea. The two nations signed a new cooperation agreement that year, which, unlike previous documents, did not include mutual military defense assistance but was seen as a step towards reviving their relationship.

The historical ties between the two nations trace back to the late 1940s when Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, rose to power with Soviet support. Over the decades, the relationship has evolved, with recent geopolitical tensions driving the two countries closer together.

Observers note that the ongoing war in Ukraine has accelerated the strengthening of ties between North Korea and Russia, with North Korea gaining a powerful ally in the UN Security Council. Moscow’s recent veto of a UN resolution to renew monitoring of North Korea’s sanctions violations further underscores this burgeoning relationship.

This week, the expected new agreement between North Korea and Russia is set to replace earlier treaties, marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations.

The grand reception of Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang and the subsequent discussions between the two leaders underscore the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia. This visit not only highlights their shared geopolitical interests but also raises significant concerns on the international stage about their growing military cooperation.

For more detailed insights into North Korea-Russia relations and global geopolitical dynamics, follow our latest updates.

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