On June 19, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine before a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang.
This was reported by AP, according to Suspilne.
The meeting between the leaders of the DPRK and Russia is aimed at expanding further economic and military cooperation between the two countries, demonstrating a united front against Washington.
Before the meeting, Putin thanked Kim for his support in the war. He also said that the two countries would sign an agreement to strengthen their partnership, as both “are fighting against the imperialist hegemonic policies of the United States and its satellites.”
Kim Jong Un, in turn, said that relations between Moscow and Pyongyang are even closer now than in Soviet times, and called Putin’s visit an opportunity to strengthen friendship.
He pledged his country’s “full support and solidarity with the Russian government, army and people” in Russia’s war against Ukraine “to protect the sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation”. But he did not explain what this support would be.
The publication noted that Kim has used similar rhetoric before, saying that North Korea supports what he calls just actions to protect Russia’s interests, blaming the crisis on the “hegemonic policies” of the West led by the United States.
The DPRK leader also welcomed Russia’s “important role and mission in maintaining strategic stability and balance in the world”.
On June 19, Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea. This is his first visit to the DPRK in 24 years.
