In an elaborate ceremony in Pyongyang on Wednesday, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, was given a resounding welcome by enthusiastic audiences and formalities. A new accord promoting their nations’ relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” was signed by him and the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Kim Jong-un declared an “unquestionable backing” for “all Russian strategies”, including a “full sponsorship and firm alliance” for Putin’s conflict with Ukraine in a meeting with the Russian chief, marking his first visit to North in nearly a quarter-century.
There’s speculation that Putin’s trip can potentially reconfigure the longstanding Russia-North Korea relations, especially at a moment when both nations are facing international ostracism. The situation is being keenly observed by Seoul and Washington, which are anxious about the increasing military connections between these countries.
However, China, North Korea’s principal political and financial backer and an increasingly critical ally for Moscow, issued a subdued response.
For Putin’s grand reception ceremony, a guard of honour, including horse-mounted soldiers, and a sizable crowd of everyday people assembled at the Kim Il Sung Square beside the Taedong River crossing the capital city. The spectacle also featured children carrying balloons and enormous images of the two heads of state accompanied by national banners embellishing the primary structure in the square.
Following this, both leaders journeyed to the Kumsusan Palace for discussions over the summit.
As the summit talks kicked off, Putin expressed his gratitude for the steadfast backing for Russian policy, including matters concerning Ukraine. According to RIA, a Russian state news agency, Putin claimed that Moscow is combating the domineering, imperialistic policy of the United States and its supporters – a narrative also circulated by Russian media.
Kim Jong-un mentioned that the relations between North Korea and Russia embarking on a phase of “fresh high prosperity”. He adhered to his earlier stance, underscoring the need to reinforce the strategic dialogue with Russia in the light of the increasingly intricate global security environment.
After a series of discussions with top advisers and a two-hour one-on-one conversation, the duo signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, as reported by the Russian media. According to Putin’s foreign policy aide, this pact will underpin broader co-operation between the two nations.
Early on, Kim Jong-un conveyed that he would be endorsing all of Russia’s policies without any reservations.
North Korea has openly shown its complete endorsement and unity with Russia’s government, military, and citizens regarding their unique military operation conducted in Ukraine, claiming it as a measure towards defending their sovereignty, security, and territorial claim. This comes after Russia suffers the brunt of sanctions imposed by the Western coalition led by the United States following Russia’s comprehensive aggression towards Ukraine starting from February 2022, an act that Russia terms as a ‘special military operation’.
Russian President, Mr Putin had landed in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, earlier within the same day. He was warmly welcomed by Mr Kim who then shared profound and restrained thoughts with him during the journey to the State Guest House. As reported by North Korean state media, their nation referred to the alliance between their country and Russia as the catalyst that propels the creation of a diverse, new world. They also asserted that Mr Putin’s visit to North Korea manifests the unyielding and resilient bond of friendship and unity between the two nations.
The United States’s contention is that Russia may stretch their help towards North Korea’s missile and nuclear programmes, something that is at odds with the resolutions of the UN Security Council. The US, along with its allies, have charged Pyongyang with supplying Russia with ballistic missiles and artillery shells that have been purportedly used in the Ukrainian conflict.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any such allegations of weapons trade.
Following an extensive delay, Mr Putin finally landed in Pyongyang and was cordially received by Mr Kim right on the red carpet. His arrival was devoid of any ceremonious grandeur as was seen during the 2019 visit of the Chinese President, Xi Jinping.
Once they had arrived, both leaders travelled in the Russian-made Aurus limousine to the Kumsusan State Guest House. The streets of Pyongyang were adorned with portraits of Mr Putin and an impressive light display across the yet-to-be-completed Ryugyong Hotel, which includied the phrase “Welcome Putin”.
The Wednesday itinerary comprised of a grand concert, state reception, honour guards, official document signings and a press statement. – Reuters