Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have begun bilateral discussions in Beijing. The two leaders met at the Diaoyutai state guest house after participating in a large military parade in central Beijing, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end.
According to the Kremlin, Putin and Kim travelled together from a formal reception to the meeting in the same vehicle. Speaking to the press as their talks began, Putin commended the courage and heroism of North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian forces to defend Russia’s Kursk border region against a Ukrainian incursion, reports AP/UNB.
South Korean intelligence reports suggest that North Korea has dispatched approximately 15,000 troops to Russia since last year and has supplied significant military support, including ballistic missiles and artillery, to support Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In his remarks, Kim highlighted the growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia since the signing of a strategic partnership agreement in June of the previous year. While he did not directly address the war, Kim expressed his willingness to offer further assistance to Russia, stating, “if there is anything I can do for you and the people of Russia, if there is more that needs to be done, I will consider it as a fraternal duty, an obligation that we surely need to bear, and will be prepared to do everything possible to help.”
The military parade in Beijing marks the first time Kim has attended a major multilateral event since he took power in 2011. This is also the first occasion that Kim, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping have gathered in the same venue.
Speculation is rising as to whether Kim might have a one-on-one meeting with Xi or even a trilateral session with both Xi and Putin, although none of the involved countries have confirmed any such meetings.
