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A high-ranking official from the Kremlin announced on the 17th that Russian President Vladimir Putin may sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with North Korea during his visit to North Korea. Putin will visit North Korea on the 18th and 19th.
According to TASS, Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin aide, stated at a meeting with journalists on the 17th that Putin would sign about 20 documents during his visit to North Korea, which may include a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
Ushakov mentioned that the document preparations, including the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, are underway.
He added that the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement would include evaluations of the global geopolitical situation and the bilateral relationship between Russia and North Korea.
However, Ushakov drew a line, stating that even if a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement is reached between the two countries, there is no intention to provoke other countries.
He insisted that the agreement follow all basic principles of international law and not be provocative or directly target any specific country.
Ushakov stated that the agreement between the two countries aims to ensure stability in Northeast Asia.
According to Ushakov, Putin will arrive in North Korea on the evening of the 18th.
Since he had to move to Vietnam on the 19th, Putin’s stay in North Korea may have lasted less than a day.
He mentioned that the two leaders would discuss a wide range of topics, including the economy, energy, transportation, agriculture, security issues, and international cooperation. He added that negotiations will take place in various formats, such as expanded formal meetings and informal conversations.
Ushakov emphasized that some delegation officials would participate in informal discussions, where the most critical and sensitive issues would be deliberated. He added that significant time would be allocated for these informal talks due to their importance.
On Putin’s visit to North Korea, he is accompanied by Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Alexander Novak, and Roscosmos (Federal Space Agency) Director Yuri Borisov.
Meanwhile, Ushakov stated that Russia supports easing the UN Security Council’s sanctions on North Korea.
According to him, trade between Russia and North Korea surged ninefold last year compared to the previous year, but the amount only reached $33.3 million.
