Talks between Putin and Kim Jong Un concluded

The talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong Un, ended after an hour and a half, the Kremlin's press service reported.

At the meeting, the leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) highlighted Russia’s role in the world and expressed his full support for the special military operation.

“Our Government appreciates the important mission and role of a strong Russia in maintaining strategic stability and balance in the world, and also expresses full support and solidarity to the Russian Government, Army, and people in the conduct of the military operation in Ukraine to protect (Russia’s) sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity,” Kim emphasized. He added that the situation in the world is constantly changing, “it is becoming more complex, which is why Pyongyang intends to strengthen strategic communication with Moscow”.

On the other hand, Putin called the exploits of previous generations a good basis for the current development of bilateral relations. He also assured that a new fundamental document is ready that will constitute the basis of relations between Moscow and Pyongyang for many years, replacing fundamental documents: the Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance of 1961, the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborhood and Cooperation of 2000, the Moscow and Pyongyang Declarations of 2000 and 2001.

Presidential advisor, Yuri Ushakov, stressed that the document will contain “the profound evolution” of the geopolitical situation in the world and the region, as well as the qualitative changes in bilateral relations in recent times. “This agreement will be following the fundamental principles of international law, will not have any provocative character and will not be directed against any country. Its objective will be to ensure greater stability in the Northeast Asian region,” he added.

The Russian head of state visited the DPRK on June 18th and 19th. This is the second time he has visited North Korea since 2000.