North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has wrapped up his extended tour of Russia's far eastern region, marking an eventful visit that has sparked Western concerns about potential arms agreements between Pyongyang and Moscow.
The trip reaffirmed the close ties between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin while focusing prominently on military matters.
Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia, which commenced on Tuesday, was characterised by a significant emphasis on military affairs. The North Korean leader's entourage prominently featured military officers, underlining the importance of this aspect of the visit.
During his stay, Kim engaged in symbolic military gestures, including the exchange of rifles with President Putin. He also toured a fighter jet factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, highlighting the military dimension of his trip.
Gifts and gesture of military cooperation
Before departing, Kim Jong Un received notable gifts from a regional governor, as reported by TASS. These gifts included five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone, and a bulletproof vest.
The official North Korean name, "Geran-25," was used in reference to the reconnaissance drone. Moreover, the governor of the Primorye region, which shares borders with China and North Korea, offered Kim bulletproof protection and special clothing designed to evade detection by thermal cameras.
Kim's departure ceremony
On Sunday, the Ria Novosti agency published a video of Kim Jong Un's departure, accompanied by a "departure ceremony" at the Artyom-Primorsky-1 station.
The footage showed Kim waving goodbye from his train to a Russian delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov. As the train departed, the Russian march "Farewell of Slavianka" played in the background.
Speculation surrounding arms deals
The visit between historic allies, Russia and North Korea, occurred against the backdrop of global sanctions imposed on both nations. Russia is under sanctions primarily due to its actions in Ukraine, while North Korea faces sanctions related to its nuclear tests.
Western observers have been particularly concerned about the possibility of an arms deal between Moscow and Pyongyang that would defy sanctions.
During their meeting at the Vostochny cosmodrome, President Putin expressed optimism about increased cooperation with North Korea and the potential for stronger military ties.
While Moscow is reportedly interested in acquiring North Korean ammunition for its actions in Ukraine, Pyongyang seeks Russia's assistance in advancing its internationally condemned missile program. However, the Kremlin has emphasized that no formal agreement has been signed or is pending.
On Saturday, Kim Jong Un met with the Russian defense minister in Vladivostok, where they inspected state-of-the-art weapons, including a hypersonic missile system.
The two leaders were seen smiling as they visited a Russian airfield, where they examined nuclear bombers, followed by a tour of a warship, as shown in a video released by the Russian defense ministry.
Diplomatic overtures
Notably, during their meeting, President Putin accepted an invitation to visit North Korea, signaling potential diplomatic strides, and extended an offer to send a North Korean to space—a historic first for the nation.
The conclusion of Kim Jong Un's visit leaves the world watching closely, with questions lingering about the true nature of the discussions held and whether any covert agreements may have been made during this high-profile engagement.
