"At your suggestion, North Korean special forces participated in the liberation of Russia's Kursk province. This action is fully in line with our new treaty. Your country's soldiers fought bravely and valiantly," Russian President Vladimir Putin told North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during their meeting in Beijing, China today.
The meeting took place while both leaders were in Beijing for a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese fascism, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This is Kim's first attendance at a major multilateral event since taking power.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing on 3/9. Photo: Reuters |
Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing on 3/9. Photo: Reuters
After Ukraine launched an offensive in Russia's Kursk province in 8/2024, North Korea sent forces to support Russia, helping Moscow completely liberate the region by the end of April. The number of North Korean troops deployed to Kursk is unclear, but South Korea estimates it to be over 10,000.
"I want to emphasize that Russia will never forget the sacrifice of the North Korean armed forces and the families of those soldiers. On behalf of the Russian people, I thank you for your participation in this joint struggle. I extend my sincerest gratitude to all the people of North Korea," Putin added.
Kim responded that cooperation between the two countries has greatly increased since the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty in 6/2024. He affirmed North Korea's readiness to do "everything possible to support" Russia.
Russia and North Korea have built strong ties in recent years. The mutual defense clause, a key component of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty, stipulates that in the event of an armed attack against one country, the other will immediately provide military support and other assistance by all possible means.
Huyen Le (Reuters, AFP)
