PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un

Grand Welcome in Pyongyang

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met for a summit on Wednesday. The meeting began with a grand ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. Russian media reported that the two leaders vowed to strengthen their nations’ ties and work towards a multipolar world.

An honor guard, including mounted soldiers, and a large crowd of civilians gathered at the square by the Taedong River. The scene included children holding balloons and giant portraits of the leaders with national flags adorning the Grand People’s Study Hall.

Summit Talks at Kumsusan Palace

Kim and Putin then traveled to the Kumsusan Palace for summit talks. Russian media quoted Putin expressing appreciation for North Korea’s support for Russian policy, including actions in Ukraine. Putin stated, “We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in the Ukrainian direction.”

Putin criticized the hegemonic and imperialist policies of the United States and its allies, emphasizing Russia’s opposition to these forces.

Arrival and Reception

Putin arrived at Pyongyang’s airport early Wednesday. Kim welcomed him with an embrace, and they shared “pent-up inmost thoughts” on the ride to the state guest house in Pyongyang, as reported by North Korean state media. This marks Putin’s first visit to North Korea in 24 years, likely to reshape the decades-long relations between Russia and North Korea.

Building a New Multipolar World

North Korea’s state news agency KCNA highlighted the visit as a testament to the invincibility and durability of the friendship and unity between the two nations. They described the partnership as an “engine for accelerating the building of a new multi-polar world.”

Russia has used its warming ties with North Korea to challenge Washington, while North Korea has gained political backing and promises of economic support from Moscow. Despite international concerns, both countries have denied any weapons transfers.

Symbolic Gestures and Subdued Ceremonies

Kim greeted Putin, shaking hands and talking beside the Russian leader’s plane. They then traveled in Putin’s Russian-made Aurus limousine to the Kumsusan State Guest House. The welcome was relatively subdued, with Kim greeting Putin on the red carpet without the grand ceremony that marked Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2019 visit.

KCNA reported, “Passing through charmingly lit streets of Pyongyang at night, the top leaders exchanged their pent-up inmost thoughts and opened their minds to more surely develop the DPRK-Russia relations.” State media photos showed streets lined with portraits of Putin and the facade of the Ryugyong Hotel lit with a giant message, “Welcome Putin.”

Agenda for the Visit

Wednesday’s agenda included one-on-one discussions between the leaders, a gala concert, a state reception, honor guards, document signings, and a statement to the media, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency. Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, provided these details.

Russia’s Strategic Partnership with North Korea

In a signal of Russia reassessing its approach to North Korea, Putin praised Pyongyang for resisting U.S. economic pressure, blackmail, and threats. He promised to “develop alternative trade and mutual settlement mechanisms not controlled by the West” and to “build an equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia.”

Economic Growth within an Anti-West Bloc

Putin’s message suggested that North Korea could achieve economic growth within an anti-West economic bloc led by Russia. Rachel Minyoung Lee, an analyst with the 38 North program in Washington, noted that if North Korea sees Russia as a viable long-term partner, there would be less incentive to improve relations with the United States.

Strategic Partnership Treaty

On the eve of the visit, Putin issued a presidential order indicating that Moscow aims to sign a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” with North Korea. Ushakov mentioned that the treaty would include security issues and would not be directed against any other country but would outline prospects for further cooperation.

Conclusion

The summit between Putin and Kim marks a significant moment in Russia-North Korea relations. Both leaders expressed their commitment to building a multipolar world and strengthening their partnership. The meeting, filled with symbolic gestures and discussions, reflects the evolving dynamics between the two nations amid global geopolitical tensions.