During a meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his unwavering support for Vladimir Putin. He vowed to provide "everything I can to assist" Moscow. In return, the Russian president thanked Pyongyang for its military support in Ukraine. The meeting occurred during celebrations in Beijing commemorating the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.
Earlier in the day, Kim and Putin joined Chinese President Xi Jinping at a large military parade. This marked the first time the leaders of these three nations had gathered together since the early Cold War era. Following the parade, Kim and Putin traveled together to a state guesthouse for private discussions.
Kim emphasized his commitment, stating that he viewed assisting Putin and the Russian people as his "duty as a fraternal obligation." Putin, addressing Kim as "Dear Chairman of State Affairs," conveyed his warmest greetings. Both countries are bound by a mutual defense treaty established in 2024 and are subject to significant international sanctions. Russia faces sanctions due to its war in Ukraine, while North Korea is sanctioned for its nuclear weapons program. Putin highlighted the increasingly close relationship between the two nations, describing it as "special, trusting and friendly." He also praised the North Korean special forces for their contributions to the Russian military efforts.
North Korean troops played a role in helping Moscow push Ukrainian forces out of Russia's western region of Kursk earlier in the year. Putin acknowledged the sacrifices made by the North Korean armed forces and their families.
Kim's visit to Beijing was his first known trip to China since the pandemic began. It provided him with the opportunity to meet Putin and Xi Jinping together for the first time, as well as interact with numerous other international leaders attending the events. According to reports, Kim also spoke with the Belarusian president and extended an invitation for him to visit Pyongyang.
6 Comments
Donatello
Finally, a counter-balance to the United States' excessive power.
Raphael
We need to stand with these leaders and recognize what they're doing! We are all together as humanity and are free to do what we want.
Donatello
Putin praising North Korean special forces? Seriously? They're using vulnerable people as cannon fodder. Disgusting.
Raphael
Countries have the right to forge their own relationships. It’s not for anyone to decide who should be friends.
Donatello
The fact that this is the first time these leaders have met in decades speaks volumes about their isolation.
eliphas
The world needs strong leaders who are not afraid to stand up to anyone. We get some of that here.