Seoul : Russia has indicated that a potential visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Moscow next year is on the table, reflecting the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two nations, described as “close neighbours.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made this statement during a press briefing, responding to inquiries about the possibility of Kim’s visit, as reported by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing Russian news outlets TASS and Sputnik.
“Of course, close neighbours constantly exchange visits at the highest levels,” Peskov was quoted as saying, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue between Russia and North Korea.
Peskov’s remarks came in the wake of growing military cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted that Russia is actively developing “strong ties” with North Korea across various sectors, underscoring the strategic partnership that has been emerging in recent months.
The conversation around a potential visit comes shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, purportedly to support Moscow’s efforts in the ongoing war in Ukraine. During a multilateral summit in Kazan, when asked about the troop deployment, Putin neither confirmed nor denied the reports. Instead, he stated that Russia takes its recently signed mutual treaty with North Korea seriously, adding that the specifics of their cooperation are “our business.”
In a subsequent interview with the state-run Rossiya-1 TV channel, Putin reiterated the significance of the “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty between the two nations, which includes mutual defence provisions. He stated, “When we need to decide something, we will certainly make a decision. Our friends in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have a corresponding position.”
Putin further emphasized that any military decisions regarding the application of Article 4 of the treaty would be made sovereignly by Russia, indicating that the extent of military engagement—be it through exercises, training, or sharing expertise—would be determined by Russia’s own strategic considerations.
As both countries navigate their relationship amid international scrutiny, the potential visit of Kim Jong-un to Moscow next year could signify a deepening of ties and a reaffirmation of their collaborative efforts on various fronts.