On Monday the Kremlin has revealed details of Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip to North Korea. Last week South Korea's Yonhap news agency predicted that Putin could show up in the North Korean capital "as early as next week" as part of an expected Asian tour that will include Vietnam.
The Kremlin has now revealed that the Russian leader will fly to Pyonyang on Tuesday and will stay for one night. It will mark the first time Putin has visited the country since the year 2000 when he met with Kim Jong-il.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, and some other top officials will accompany Putin on the trip.
A state media announcement detailed that "The two sides are expected to sign a number of documents during the visit, according to Ushakov, including a potential comprehensive strategic partnership agreement."
"The Russian delegation will also engage in extensive talks with its North Korean counterpart on a number of issues, including bilateral relations, the economy, security, and international cooperation," RT continued. "Putin is also expected to attend a state concert being held in honor of his visit and hold informal talks with Kim."
Last week, Kim said that "meaningful" ties with Russia will "further consolidate the eternal milestone" in a new era of relations, according to state KCNA. Putin will in essence be returning the favor of a visit, after Kim toured Russia's far east last year, and reportedly inspected several weapons and space-related sites.
During that prior trip, Kim had said closer relations with Moscow are his "number one priority" - as both countries find themselves under heavy US-led sanctions.
The Ukraine war, and accompanying Western punitive sanctions, have resulted in Russia forging closer defense and trade ties with US rival, enemies, and 'pariahs' like Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and China. The US has even accused North Korea is supplying immense amounts of artillery shells and military supplies for Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine.
Reuters previously reported this week that Putin is expected in Vietnam from June 19 to 20. This fresh Kremlin news release confirms that the North Korea trip will take place before that.
