Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin is poised to make a significant visit to North Korea in the near future, signaling a crucial juncture in Russo-North Korean relations. During this anticipated trip, Putin is expected to finalize a comprehensive “package of agreements” aimed at fortifying the alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang.
In remarks conveyed to the state-owned TASS media outlet, Russia’s envoy to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, disclosed that while the precise timing of Putin’s visit remains undetermined, groundwork for the agreements is actively underway.
“As of now, there have been no deliberations regarding the timing of the visit. Preparations primarily revolve around the formulation of joint documents slated for signing during the visit. We anticipate this package to be highly significant,” asserted the Russian envoy in remarks reported by TASS.
Among the pivotal agreements under consideration is a framework to streamline tourism between the two enduring allies. However, specific details regarding Putin’s itinerary in North Korea have not yet been divulged.
Putin’s forthcoming visit materialized following an invitation extended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, subsequent to Kim’s own official visit to Russia last year. The Kremlin, in January, indicated that the precise date of Putin’s visit would be disclosed in due course.
This landmark visit holds historical significance, as Putin is poised to become the first Russian leader to set foot in North Korea in nearly a quarter of a century. Putin’s previous visit to North Korea occurred in 2000, during which he engaged in discussions with Kim Jong Il, the late father of current leader Kim Jong Un.
The bond between Russia and North Korea has notably strengthened in recent years, particularly following Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine in 2022. Notably, in the same year, North Korea became the third nation to extend recognition to the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics in eastern Ukraine. The convergence of interests amid mounting sanctions from Western nations has drawn these two allies closer together.
