Vladimir Putin promised to build trade and security systems with North Korea that are not controlled by the West and pledged his unwavering support in a letter published by North Korean state media ahead of his planned visit to the country.

Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his commitment to fostering trade and security systems with North Korea, independent of Western influence. This promise was outlined in a letter released by North Korean state media prior to Putin's planned visit to the country. The visit marks his first trip to North Korea in 24 years. 

In the letter, Putin emphasized the development of alternative trade mechanisms and mutual settlements not overseen by the West, pledging to resist what he termed as illegitimate unilateral restrictions. He also expressed gratitude for North Korea's support of Russia's military activities in Ukraine and promised support for Pyongyang's defensive measures against U.S. pressures.

Putin’s visit may include significant discussions, as Russian media reported plans for one-on-one meetings between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Discussions may cover security issues, with the potential signing of a partnership agreement. Commercial satellite images suggest preparations for a military parade in Pyongyang ahead of his visit.

Washington has accused North Korea of supplying arms to Russia for use in Ukraine, a claim both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied. Following his North Korea trip, Putin is scheduled to visit Vietnam.



Putin vows trade, security beyond West for North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised North Korea trade and security not controlled by the West. It came in a letter published Tuesday by North Korean state media, where Putin pledged his unwavering support of the isolated state. That was a day after the two countries announced that Putin would visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years, for a two-day trip beginning Tuesday. Putin's letter said, quote, we will develop alternative mechanisms of trade and mutual settlements that are not controlled by the West, and jointly resist illegitimate unilateral restrictions. And at the same time, he added, we will build an architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia. He also thanked North Korea for supporting what Russia calls its special military operation in Ukraine, and vowed support for Pyongyang's efforts to defend its interests, despite what he called, quote, U.S. pressure, blackmail, and military threats. There have been some signs pointing to what's on the agenda for Putin when he visits. Commercial satellite imagery taken ahead of the visit showed preparations for a possible military parade in downtown Pyongyang. Russian media said there will be one-on-one discussions between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. And Putin's foreign policy adviser said Russia and North Korea may sign a partnership agreement during the visit that would include security issues. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller repeated charges this week that North Korea had supplied weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied arms transfers. After North Korea, Putin is set to spend another two days in Vietnam.

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