Moscow [Russia], September 13: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his visit to Russia showed that Pyongyang prioritizes the 'strategic importance' of relations with Moscow.
"Mr. Kim Jong-un said his visit to the Russian Federation ... is a clear manifestation of the stance of the Korean Workers' Party and the Korean government to prioritize the strategic importance of Korean relations - Russia," KCNA news agency reported on September 13, according to Reuters.
KCNA also confirmed that Mr. Kim arrived at the border city of Khasan in the Primorsky region in the Russian Far East by train on the morning of September 12, met with a number of Russian officials and then continued to move to the next "destination" but did not receive any information. specifically stated.
Images released by KCNA show Mr. Kim appearing at the train station in Khasan and being welcomed by senior officials from Moscow as well as local officials. He had a meeting with Governor of Primorsky region Oleg Kozhemyako and Russian Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov here, according to RIA Novosti.
Also according to these photos, the delegation accompanying Mr. Kim included North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Korean Workers' Party RiPyong-chol.
KCNA said the goal of the North Korean leader's visit to Russia is to "bring friendly relations to a new level," according to a TASS report. Mr. Kim thanked the Russian side for the warm welcome and sent best wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the armed forces and the Russian people.
Japan's Kyodo news agency and Korean media reported that Mr. Kim may meet Mr. Putin at the Vostochny spaceport in Amur province (also in the Russian Far East).
According to TASS, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on September 12 that the meeting between Mr. Putin and Mr. Kim would take place in the Far East but did not say the exact location. According to Mr. Peskov, the two leaders will hold one-on-one talks as well as extended talks (including delegations from both sides), then will attend a dinner party. The two leaders are not expected to hold a press conference.
The trip marked Mr. Kim's first visit to Russia in nearly four years and his first foreign trip after the "global public health crisis," according to KCNA, referring to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper