North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is returning home by train after a week-long visit to Russia, where he held talks with President Vladimir Putin regarding closer military and other cooperation between the two countries, Reuters reported. Kim was seen off in the Russian Far Eastern city of Artyom, approximately 254 km (159 miles) from Khasan station on the Russian-North Korean border. North Korean state news agency KCNA stated that the visit marked "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," using the initials for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The warming military ties between North Korea and Russia have raised concerns among the United States and its allies, particularly as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine and North Korea proceeds with missile and nuclear development. South Korea and the United States argue that military cooperation between the two nations would violate U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang, and they vow to ensure consequences for such actions.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol termed the military partnership between Russia and North Korea as "illegal and unjust," emphasizing that the international community would "unite more tightly" in response to the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Russia has actively publicized Kim's visit and has dropped hints about the potential for military collaboration with North Korea. Kim met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during his visit, where they discussed strengthening coordination, cooperation, and exchange between the two countries' armed forces, as well as their national defense and security.
Moscow is in discussions with North Korea about conducting joint military exercises. This trip follows Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang in July, during which he toured a weapons exhibition with Kim, indicating increasingly close ties. Kim also visited Russia's Pacific Sea Fleet, which includes strategic nuclear submarines and other military vessels. He praised the fleet for its contribution to regional peace. During the visit, North Korea launched its first operational "tactical nuclear attack submarine."
Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Russia's far eastern Primorsky region, gifted Kim a bulletproof vest and six drones produced in the region.
Earlier Daryo reported that in October, Kim Jong-Un extended congratulations to Vladimir Putin on his 70th birthday and acknowledged the achievement of Russia's "significant strategic objective of strengthening the nation."
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