‘Very significant’: Vladimir Putin touches down in North Korea for first time in 24 years for talks with Kim Jong-Un
Editor’s Note: This piece by Laura Grassby is based on an interview with CSP Senior Fellow, Grant Newsham.
The Russian President has journeyed to North Korea for the first time in over two decades, a visit described by a former US diplomat as “very significant” and concerning to the West.
Vladimir Putin stepped off his plane onto a red carpet in Pyongyang early Wednesday morning, receiving a large bouquet of flowers from a nearby official.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was there to welcome Mr Putin and the pair appeared animated as they spoke for at least several minutes with the help of translators.
A military guard of honour flanked the two leaders as they walked towards the airport entrance.
Moscow described the trip as a “friendly state visit,” with some Russian media outlets saying the two countries may sign some kind of agreement, the BBC reported.
Several high-ranking Russian officials have also tagged along for the trip, including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
A formal meeting between the two leaders is now underway in a square in Pyongyang, state media reported.
Former US marine colonel Grant Newsham spoke to Sky News Australia on Wednesday about the implications of the visit, which he characterised as “very significant”.
“This isn’t just a meeting of convenience, this really locks in the supplies of missiles, ammunition, artillery shells, millions of them … and the North Koreans get in return missile technology, improving their intercontinental ballistic missile capability, nuclear technology for their submarines, satellite technology … ,” he said.
“This is very much a working relationship; it is mutually beneficial for both sides and it is not defensive.
“It’s part of a really larger offensive move by the Russians, the North Koreans and the Chinese, the Iranians may be loosely coordinated but they are on the offensive.”
When asked if the West should be “alarmed” by the historic visit, Mr Newsham agreed.
“For a long time, they just laughed off the threats from these kinds of regimes, they thought they had the upper hand they always would,” he said.
“But now you’re seeing the North Korean support has kept the Russians going in Ukraine, it’s all been done with Chinese approval, the Chinese are glad to have this sort of chaos going on.”
He went on to say the West ought to feel “concerned” enough by the strengthening ties between the two nations to show “some sense of urgency”.
