North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for strengthening ties with Russia at a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, according to state-run media. Kim returned from a six-day visit to Russia earlier this week. Photo by KCNA/UPI
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (UPI) — In a report published on Friday, it was revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged for steps to be taken to elevate the country’s relationship with Russia to a “new high level.” The report comes just days after Kim’s visit to Russia, which has provoked international concern regarding a potential arms deal.
The statement was made during a meeting of the Politburo of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea on Wednesday, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
The purpose of the meeting was to review Kim’s trip to Russia from September 12th to 17th, during which he held a summit with President Vladimir Putin and visited various military sites to inspect advanced fighter jets, bombers, and missiles.
Kim called for unspecified measures to “further enhance bilateral relations in all areas and bring them to a new high level … in order to solidify the achievements made during the [Russia] visit.”
He also emphasized the need for the two sides to “expand and develop cooperation in every field.”
The Politburo meeting also included a report by Kim Song Nam, the department director of the ruling party’s central committee. The report analyzed Kim’s visit and presented long-term plans for the development of the DPRK-Russia relations.
The DPRK-Russia relations were described in the report as having reached a “new strategic level” and causing a significant change in the world’s geopolitical situation.
Last week, the White House expressed concern about a potential arms deal between North Korea and Russia, citing intelligence suggesting that Kim planned to provide Russia with artillery for its war with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Kim is reportedly seeking advanced technology for North Korea’s weapons programs, including its efforts to launch a military spy satellite into orbit.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned at the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday that if Russia assists North Korea with its nuclear and missile programs, Seoul and its allies will not “stand idly by.”
Yoon stated, “If the DPRK acquires the necessary information and technology to enhance its WMD capabilities in exchange for supporting Russia with conventional weapons, such a deal would be a direct provocation.”
He also echoed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s concerns about Russia, calling for the removal of Russia’s veto power on the U.N. Security Council and expressing support for reforming the council.
In response, Seoul’s foreign ministry imposed unilateral sanctions on ten individuals and two entities involved in North Korea’s illicit weapons trade with various countries, including Russia.
