Beijing: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have engaged in discussions focusing on "long-term" plans for cooperation between their respective nations. This conversation took place during their meeting on the sidelines of China's military parade, as reported by state media on Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the summit was held shortly after Kim and Putin attended China's extensive military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping. During their talks, Kim and Putin explored in detail the long-term cooperation strategies between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral relations.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Putin expressed Russia's enduring remembrance of the sacrifices made by North Korean troops who have supported Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine. Kim, in turn, assured Putin of North Korea's "full" support for Russia's endeavors to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing it as a "fraternal duty" to assist Moscow.
However, the KCNA did not mention any invitation extended by Putin for Kim to visit Russia again. The meeting between Kim and Putin has drawn attention, particularly regarding the potential evolution of military cooperation between the two nations, as expectations rise for an impending conclusion to Russia's war with Ukraine.
Since October last year, North Korea has contributed approximately 15,000 troops and weapons to aid Russia's military campaign. South Korea's spy agency recently indicated that North Korea might send an additional 6,000 soldiers to Russia in its third wave of troop deployment, raising the estimated number of North Korean troop casualties to around 2,000.
Kim made a notable appearance on the multilateral diplomatic stage, standing alongside Xi and Putin during China's celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory against Japan and the end of World War II. The presence of the three leaders together at the Tiananmen Square rostrum symbolized a united front against the United States.