Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, concluded his state visit to Russia’s Primorsky Krai region by departing on a train. During his visit, he was treated to a lavish ballet performance and received numerous gifts. The photo is courtesy of KCNA.
Sept. 17 (UPI) — Following his state visit, Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, left Russia’s Primorsky Krai region by train. He received extravagant gifts and had the opportunity to attend a ballet performance, according to government-controlled Russian media.
Russian state media initially covered the details of the visit on Saturday. However, North Korea has now provided more information, shedding light on the blossoming diplomatic relationship between the two nations amid Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.
The North Korean Central News Agency, a propaganda arm of Kim’s regime, praised the warm and welcoming reception given to the supreme leader during his time in Russia. They emphasized that he was showered with gifts throughout the visit, stating, “A fresh heyday of friendship and solidarity and cooperation is being opened up in the history of the development of the relations between the DPRK and Russia.”
Ri Pyong Chol and Pak Jong Chon, both marshals of the Korean People’s Army, accompanied Kim on his trip. The marshal position is the highest rank in the North Korean military, surpassing that of a general. Ri, a relative of Kim’s wife, holds a particularly close advisory role to the supreme leader.
Other key military figures who traveled with Kim include Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam, KPA Air Force Commander Gen. Kim Kwang Hyok, and KPA Navy Commander Admiral Kim Myong Sik. The fact that such high-ranking military officials joined Kim on the visit demonstrates the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia.
From the Russian side, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was accompanied by Vice Defense Minister Aleksey Krivoruchko, Russian Navy Commander Nikolai Yevmenov, and Sergey Kobylash, the commander of the long-range bomber force.
According to North Korea, Kim’s daylong tour began with his arrival in Russia at 9 a.m. on Saturday aboard his private train. He first visited the Knevichi Airbase, where he received a warm welcome from Kobylash. Kim was briefed on military planes, including their combat performance, arms, tactical specifications, and technical capabilities. North Korean officials stated that he received a gift during the visit, although the specific item was not disclosed.
Russian state media revealed that Kim was shown strategic bombers, including the Tu-95, Tu-160, and Tu-22M3, as well as the Kh-BD long-range missile, which reportedly has a range of over 4,038 miles. Kim also viewed the Uran anti-ship missile systems, Kalibr multi-purpose cruise missile systems, and the A-190 100mm automatic artillery system.
The supreme leader then visited Russia’s Pacific Fleet base, described by North Korea as a “powerful naval fortress” that defends the territorial waters and national interests of Russia. Shoigu and others joined Kim at this point, and he was given a tour of the Russian frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov in the city of Vladivostok. As he boarded the vessel, Kim received a salute from the ship’s captain. Kim left a message in the ship’s visitor book, stating, “The victorious wake for defending justice and peace will last forever. Regard for the Pacific Sea Fleet Kim Jong Un 2023. 9.16.”
Shoigu hosted a luncheon in Kim’s honor and presented him with another gift, the details of which were not disclosed by North Korean officials. The two leaders engaged in discussions following the luncheon, sharing their views on the regional and international military and political situation. They also exchanged constructive opinions on further strengthening strategic and tactical coordination, cooperation, and mutual exchange between the armed forces of their respective countries, as well as in the fields of national defense and security.
To conclude the visit, Kim attended a performance of the ballet “Sleeping Beauty” at the Maritime Territory Branch of the Mariinsky Theatre.
During his time in Russia, Kim also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Space Center and the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Yuri Gagarin Aviation Plant. At the aviation plant, Kim had the opportunity to see the fifth-generation Su-35 fighter jet and even climbed into the cockpit of one.
