The parade at which the leaders of the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea stood hand in hand would be incomplete without a separate mention of the talks between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. These lasted two and a half hours and in format resembled a summit-level meeting far more than the usual encounters of heads of state on the sidelines of a multilateral event.

On the Meeting of the Leaders of Russia and the DPRK

According to the Kremlin’s website, Vladimir Putin remarked that “in recent times relations between our countries have acquired a special, trusting and friendly nature, an allied character. At your initiative, as is well known, your special units took part in the liberation of the Kursk region, fought courageously and heroically, and we will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your servicemen.”

Thanking, on behalf of the Russian people, the people of the DPRK for “taking part in the joint struggle against contemporary neo-Nazism,” Putin expressed his satisfaction that “we now have the opportunity to talk about our bilateral relations, in every dimension, in every area.”

Kim Jong Un likewise expressed his delight at the meeting, noting that “since the signing of our interstate treaty last June, relations between our countries have been developing in every aspect,” and voiced particular gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation for the fact that “Comrade Putin, you have on several occasions – including here – given high praise to the feat of our soldiers.”

The DPRK leader emphasized that “if there is anything with which we can help Russia, we will most certainly do it, and we will regard this as a fraternal duty; we will do everything possible to help Russia.” The DPRK, he stressed, would continue to give full support to the struggle of the Russian government, army, and people in defense of the........

© New Eastern Outlook