Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Moscow’s willingness to assist North Korea in satellite development during his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East. Putin stated, “This is the reason for our visit. The North Korean leader has shown significant interest in rocket technology as they strive to advance their space program,” according to a report by the news agency AFP.
This uncommon meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un included a handshake and was captured in a video shared by the Kremlin. Russian news agencies reported that the discussions at the spaceport would cover “trade relations” and “international affairs.” Kim Jong Un arrived at Vostochny Cosmodrome by train earlier on the same day.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Vostochny Cosmodrome, located approximately 1,000 kilometers from Vladivostok, in preparation for his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
During their visit to the Vostochny Cosmodrome, both leaders toured the space rocket assembly and launch sites. When asked if military cooperation would be discussed, Putin replied, “We will discuss all the issues without rushing. We have time.”
Accompanying Kim Jong Un were Korean People’s Army Marshal Pak Jong Chon, Munitions Industry Department Director Jo Chun Ryong, and other high-ranking North Korean officials.
A North Korean defector informed the news agency AFP that Russia is interested in North Korea’s stockpile of artillery shells and, in exchange, will provide Pyongyang with satellite technology and upgrade its Soviet-era military equipment.
Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources, Alexander Kozlov, welcomed Kim Jong Un with historic autographed photographs of Soviet cosmonauts, including Yuri Gagarin.
In addition to discussions on satellite technology and military cooperation, Kim Jong Un is expected to request food aid from Putin, as some parts of North Korea are facing severe food shortages due to crippling sanctions and a lack of food resources, which have also impacted the nation’s agricultural industries.