The rulers of Russia and North Korea have one thing in common: weapons. One needs them for war, the other for deterrence. And so Putin and Kim signed an agreement on a “strategic partnership”.
After a few hours of sleep, Russian President Vladimir Putin is back on the mat – or rather on the red carpet. He is greeted with all the honors by North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un. The TV presenter is almost beside herself with excitement.
Then the two men, one just about 40 years old, the other over 70, retired for a conversation. This was actually planned for an hour, but according to media reports, it lasted two.
The guest, who negotiated with Kim’s father during his last visit to North Korea 24 years ago, first praises the mutual relations. Russia and North Korea have been linked by a strong friendship and close neighborly relations for many decades, Putin emphasizes. “The connection between our countries is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect for each other’s interests,” said the Russian head of state.
North Korea supports Russian war against Ukraine
Ruler Kim Jong Un whispers back in a whiskey voice, indirectly praising himself a little – that he managed to pull off the coup of bringing Putin to North Korea. “The relations between our two countries are at the highest level, even incomparable to the relations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Soviet Union,” says Kim, adding: “I think that the Comrade President’s visit to Pyongyang will provide an opportunity to consolidate the foundation of the close friendship between our peoples.”
And because small gifts are known to maintain friendship, Putin brought Kim a nice car – a limousine “made in Russia”. Kim could return the favor with something he is said to have already supplied: ammunition and weapons for Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Kim supports the war, as he himself emphasizes:
The Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea appreciates the role and task of the powerful Russian Federation in maintaining strategic stability and balance in the world and fully supports the special military operation of the Russian Government in Ukraine to protect its sovereignty, interests and the stability of its territory.
Strategic partnership agreement signed
This is likely to be a balm for Putin’s soul, who is just as isolated internationally as his counterpart. He appreciates Kim’s consistent and unchanging support, including with regard to Ukraine, Putin turns directly to the ruler on the other side of the long table. Especially in the fight “against the imperialist hegemonic policy of the USA and its satellites against the Russian Federation”.
Before Putin returned to his private jet, he signed a strategic partnership agreement with Kim. Putin and Kim both say the agreement is defensive in nature.
Kathrin Erdmann, ARD Beijing, tagesschau, 19.06.2024 13:22