Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his intention to visit Pyongyang in the near future, North Korean state media KCNA reported on Sunday, Reuters reports.

President Putin also thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his invitation to visit Pyongyang during a meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Cho Song Hui, who visited Russia last week, KCNA reported, citing a foreign ministry official.

Russia thanked North Korea for the support and solidarity it showed in the war in Ukraine. Both also expressed serious concern over provocative actions by the United States and its allies against Pyongyang’s sovereign rights, agreeing to cooperate on regional affairs. According to the cited source, cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow will take place in accordance with the UN Charter and other international laws.

High-ranking Russian officials, including the defense and foreign ministers, visited North Korea in 2023, raising fears of a potential arms deal, AFP said.

The West accuses Pyongyang and Moscow of working together to support Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, and some countries, such as the United States, say the North Koreans are supplying Russia with weapons.

In January, the White House accused North Korea of ​​sending ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia, calling the actions a “significant and troubling escalation” of North Korean aid to Moscow.

For its part, South Korea has accused North Korea of ​​supplying Russia with more than a million artillery shells in exchange for intelligence and assistance in military satellite technology.

In November, North Korea managed to put one of these spy satellites into orbit, and South Korea saw Moscow’s hand in this. (Agerpress)