VLADIMIR PUTIN TO VISIT NORTH KOREA IN RARE TRIP AS ANTI-WEST ALIGNMENT DEEPENS

Mon 17 June 2024:

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who hosted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Moscow last September, is expected to visit Pyongyang this week, Yonhap news reported on Monday.

Speculations run high that Putin could make a two-day trip to the state starting Tuesday, the South Korean news agency said. Moscow and Pyongyang, however, have yet to confirm the visit.

If realized, it will mark Putin’s first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years. Putin last visited the North Korean capital in 2000 to meet Kim Jong Il, father of Kim Jong-un.

The visit could coincide with a “two plus two meeting of senior Chinese and South Korean foreign and defense officials in Seoul.

Russia and North Korea have strengthened ties in recent months. The US and its allies accuse Pyongyang of supplying weapons to Moscow for its war effort against Ukraine.

The Kremlin has said there is scope for “very deep relations” between Russia and North Korea, and although it said this shouldn’t concern anyone, it recommended those thinking of challenging the burgeoning ties to think again.

There has been a lot of speculation about what exactly the two sides want from one another. And it seems to boil down to security of supplies.

Russia is likely seeking ammunition, construction workers, even volunteers to go to the front line in Ukraine, says political scientist and Putin ally, Sergei Markov.

In reply, Pyongyang could get Russian produce, as well as technological help for military goals, including its long-range missile programme ultimately to be within striking distance of the US, Markov adds.

Ukraine peace summit ends with final declaration

The two-day Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland’s Burgenstock ended on Sunday with an endorsement of a final declaration.

More than 90 countries attended the talks, but the joint communique was supported by 80 countries and four organizations.

As many as 16 states and organizations, including Indonesia, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, India, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates, abstained.

The gathering aimed at finding a “common understanding” on a path toward peace, but was not attended by Russia and China.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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