Watch: Putin and Kim Jong Un Meet at Remote Space Rocket Launch Site

Kim Jong Un is visiting Russia from September 12-15, 2023. This is his first trip abroad since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 and his first visit to Russia since 2019.

The purpose of Kim’s visit is not yet clear, but he will likely discuss economic cooperation and security issues with Russian President Vladimir Putin. There is also speculation that Kim may seek Russian assistance in his nuclear weapons program.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia’s most modern space rocket launch site, on Wednesday (September 13).

The meeting came as North Korea has been test-firing missiles at an unprecedented pace in recent months, raising concerns about its nuclear and missile programs.

Reuters reported Putin saying that he and Kim had discussed “the development of bilateral relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.” He also said they had agreed to “continue cooperation in the field of space exploration.”

Kim very glad to meet Putin

Kim reportedly said he was “very glad” to meet with Putin and hoped to “strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”

The meeting took place against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine. North Korea has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and even praised Russia for its “counter-sanctions” against the West.

Putin and Kim maintain close ties

The meeting between Putin and Kim is the first since 2019. It is still being determined what, if anything, was achieved, but it is a sign that the two countries are still maintaining close ties.

Apart from space exploration, the two leaders also discussed the possibility of North Korea resuming nuclear talks with the United States. However, there has yet to be any indication that any progress was made on this issue.

The meeting between Putin and Kim is a reminder of the complex relationship between Russia and North Korea. The two countries are both authoritarian regimes with nuclear weapons and have a history of cooperating on military and technological projects. However, they are also rivals and have been at odds over the issue of North Korea’s nuclear program.

It remains to be seen what the long-term implications of the meeting between Putin and Kim will be. However, the two countries are still important players in the global security landscape.