Rosalind Evans
In a rare diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea for the first time in over two decades. This two-day visit, starting Tuesday, marks a significant moment in the evolving partnership between Russia and North Korea, underscored by their shared animosity towards the West and Putin’s ongoing need for support in his conflict with Ukraine.
Historic Visit Amidst Global Tensions
Putin’s visit to North Korea is particularly notable given the limited overseas travel he has undertaken since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This trip also represents a significant moment for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has not hosted a world leader in Pyongyang since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit aims to strengthen the bond between these two nations, both of which face international scrutiny and sanctions.
Strategic Partnership and Agenda
The Kremlin has outlined a “very eventful” agenda for Putin’s visit. According to Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, both leaders plan to sign a new strategic partnership agreement. Ushakov emphasized that the agreement is intended to ensure greater stability in Northeast Asia, stating, “The parties are still working on it, and a final decision regarding its signing will be formed in the coming hours.” This new pact will replace previous agreements signed between Moscow and Pyongyang in 1961, 2000, and 2001.
Military and Economic Support
The United States, South Korea, and other nations have accused North Korea of supplying substantial military aid to Russia, which both countries deny. This visit reciprocates Kim’s trip to Russia last September, during which he visited a fighter jet factory and a rocket-launch facility. Kim recently expressed his support for Russia, saying, “Our people give full support and solidarity to the successful work of the Russian army and people.”
Geopolitical Implications
Putin’s visit to North Korea comes shortly after the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy, where Western leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. The timing also coincides with a Kyiv-backed international peace summit aimed at garnering support for Ukraine’s vision for peace. Putin’s move to strengthen ties with North Korea is seen as an effort to bolster support for his war efforts amid increasing Western aid to Ukraine.
Expanding Russia’s Diplomatic Reach
Putin’s visit is part of a broader strategy to reassert Russia’s influence on the global stage. Last month, he visited Beijing and affirmed a shared opposition to the US-led world order with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Additionally, Moscow hosted foreign ministers from China, Iran, South Africa, and Brazil for a BRICS meeting. These moves reflect Putin’s attempts to build alliances with like-minded countries in response to Western sanctions and isolation.
North Korea’s Gains from the Alliance
For Kim Jong Un, this visit is an opportunity to demonstrate his international influence and secure economic and technological support from Moscow. Despite years of sanctions over its nuclear weapons program, North Korea continues to seek ways to bolster its economy and military capabilities. The visit of a leader from a permanent member of the UN Security Council underscores Kim’s strategic maneuvering on the global stage.
Putin’s visit to North Korea marks a significant step in the deepening alignment between Russia and North Korea, driven by their mutual opposition to Western policies. As both nations navigate their respective international challenges, this partnership could have far-reaching implications for global geopolitics and stability in Northeast Asia.
