North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a politburo meeting with top officials to discuss the outcome of his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin
During Kim's six-day trip to Russia, his longest foreign travel as a leader, the two countries said they discussed boosting their defence ties but didn't disclose any specific steps
Kim's visit, prominently featuring a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, emphasizes the convergence of their interests amidst escalating conflicts with the West.
The leaders discussed military matters, the war in Ukraine, and possible Russian help for the secretive Communist state's satellite programme during their meeting.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's invitation to visit his reclusive country which was extended after their summit
After touring launch pads with Putin at a remote space base in Russia's Far East, Kim expressed “full and unconditional support” and said Pyongyang will always stand with Moscow on the “anti-imperialist” front
The visit would be Kim's first foreign trip since the COVID-19 pandemic, which had forced North Korea to enforce tight border controls for more than three years to shield its poor health care system
According to a previous report by The New York Times, there has been speculation that Kim Jong-un might use his armored train to journey to Vladivostok for a potential meeting with Putin during the Eastern Economic Forum. The forum is scheduled to take place until Wednesday at the Far Eastern Federal University
According to North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim witnessed the "splendid" military parade commemorating the founding anniversary at Kim Il Sung Square.
At the beginning of the week, The New York Times had disclosed that Kim is considering a trip to Vladivostok, potentially utilizing an armored train for the journey.
In what would be his first foreign travel since the start of the pandemic, Kim may visit Russia this month for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin