Vladimir Putin discusses “possibilities” for military cooperation with Kim Jong Un

In a meeting that was closely watched for a possible arms deal, Kim Jong Un of North Korea and Vladimir Putin discussed “possibilities” for military cooperation.

After Mr. Kim arrived in his own armored train on Wednesday, the two met at the Vostochny space center.

Additionally, Mr. Putin pledged to support Pyongyang’s satellite-development efforts.

The US has claimed that Moscow is purchasing weapons for its conflict with Ukraine and has warned that any assistance would go against UN resolutions.

An invitation from Mr. Kim for Mr. Putin to visit North Korea has also been accepted. The closed-off state hasn’t seen many heads of state.

At a time when their ties with the West are at an all-time low, the two sanctioned regimes met on Wednesday with senior officials from both sides.

After traveling for two days to the far east of Russia, Mr. Kim was welcomed warmly by Mr. Putin. Before Mr. Putin personally escorted Mr. Kim around the space center, Russian state media footage showed the two leaders shaking hands and grinning as they did so.

Putin welcomed his counterpart with the Russian adage “an old friend is better than two new ones,” citing historical ties between the Soviet Union and North Korea.

Mr. Putin responded, “this is why we’ve come to Vostochny Cosmodrome,” when asked if Russia would assist North Korea in developing satellites.

When questioned whether he would speak with Mr. Kim about a deal for weapons, Mr. Putin responded that they would “discuss all topics”.

In the meantime, Mr. Kim seemed to endorse Mr. Putin’s conflict in Ukraine.

“Russia has risen to a sacred fight to protect its sovereignty and security against the hegemonic forces” of the West, Mr Kim told Mr Putin.

“We will always support the decisions of President Putin and the Russian leadership… and we will be together in the fight against imperialism.”

The North Korean leader is scheduled to visit several factories, watch a display of Russian warships, and then stop by the eastern city of Vladivostok on his way home. The length of his stay in Russia is unknown.

Source-BBC