In a significant move towards strengthening international relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to make a friendly state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Kremlin press service.
Following his time in the DPRK, President Putin will continue his diplomatic tour with a visit to Vietnam on Wednesday and Thursday. This marks a notable continuation of Russia’s efforts to bolster ties in the region.
The visit comes after DPRK’s top leader Kim Jong Un made an official trip to Russia in September 2023 at Putin’s invitation. This was Kim’s first international visit since the COVID-19 pandemic, which had previously closed the DPRK’s borders.
President Putin’s upcoming visit to Pyongyang is particularly historic, as his only prior visit to the DPRK was in July 2000, just two months after his inauguration as president. This renewed diplomatic engagement highlights the evolving dynamics between Russia and the DPRK, as well as Russia’s broader strategic interests in Southeast Asia.
As Putin continues his journey to Vietnam, observers will be keen to see how these visits influence regional politics and economic collaborations. Both the DPRK and Vietnam play crucial roles in their respective regions, and Russia’s engagement with these nations could have far-reaching implications for international relations in the coming years.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
