Putin to Visit N. Korea, Vietnam

Russian President Vladimir Putin is gearing up for significant visits to North Korea and Vietnam this June, as confirmed by Russian Ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora.

According to the Russian daily newspaper Vedomosti, Matsegora stated that active preparations are underway for Putin's visit to Pyongyang, with expectations that this trip will precede his scheduled visit to Vietnam.

If the North Korea visit materializes, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia's Far East in September 2023 will reciprocate.

This would mark Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years, with his last visit occurring in July 2000 when Kim’s father, the late Kim Jong Il, was in power.

North Korea and Russia have been increasingly bolstering their military relations and expanding their cooperation since the summit between their leaders.

This growing partnership has raised concerns about suspected arms transfers between the two nations.

Reports suggest Pyongyang has been supplying Moscow with weapons and ammunition for its war in Ukraine in exchange for advanced military technology from Russia.

Anticipation for Putin’s visit to North Korea has been high, given the recent numerous high-level exchanges between the countries, including visits by ministers and cultural delegations.

In May, the Russian news agency TASS reported that the Kremlin stated the preparations for Putin's anticipated trip to the north were "progressing at their own pace."

The upcoming visits underscore the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea amid global scrutiny and highlight Russia's strategic diplomatic engagements in Asia.