Seoul: North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has pledged to ‘fully support’ Russia’s army, calling it a fraternal duty, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the two countries’ relationship as a ‘special’ partnership, according to state media.
The pledge has come during a meeting in Beijing on the sidelines of China’s World War Two victory celebrations.
This has marked the first time that Kim has appeared alongside both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the closer alignment between the three nations. Analysts have noted that this rare gathering has been a major propaganda boost for Kim, who has sought to elevate North Korea’s global standing.
Photographs published by North Korean state media have shown Kim smiling as he walked with Putin and Xi during the parade. Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s main state newspaper, has dedicated significant coverage to his Beijing visit.
According to KCNA, Kim and Putin have exchanged views on key international and regional issues. Putin has praised North Korean soldiers who have fought alongside Russia in Ukraine and has reaffirmed that ties between the two countries are built on trust and friendship.
South Korean intelligence officials have estimated that 2,000 North Korean troops deployed to Russia have already been killed, with an additional 6,000 expected to follow. Around 1,000 combat soldiers are believed to already be in Russia.
The meeting has also covered long-term plans to expand partnership and reaffirmed the two leaders’ intention to strengthen bilateral ties further. Last year, Moscow and Pyongyang signed a mutual defence treaty committing each to support the other in the event of an armed attack.
Kim’s staff were seen following strict security protocols during the visit, including sanitising furniture after he left, reflecting the regime’s ongoing concerns about protecting information on his health and security. The meeting in Beijing has underscored the growing strategic cooperation between North Korea and Russia, with both sides signalling determination to take the partnership to a higher level.
ALSO READ | Trump voices disappointment with Putin; Downplays China-Russia alliance
