10-6-2024 (MOSCOW)Â President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on visits to North Korea and Vietnam in the coming weeks, according to a report by the Vedomosti newspaper on Monday (June 10). The report, citing a diplomatic source, indicates that Putin’s visit to Pyongyang is being “actively prepared,” as confirmed by Russian ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora.
The newspaper further revealed that Putin could visit Vietnam as early as June, likely immediately after his trip to North Korea. This development comes on the heels of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia last September, during which he toured the country’s Vostochny space launch center in the far east. At the time, Putin promised to assist North Korea in building satellites.
While the Kremlin has yet to officially confirm the dates of the visits, it has expressed a desire to build a partnership with North Korea “in all areas.” This move is seen as part of Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with countries hostile to the United States, such as Iran, since the start of the war with Ukraine – a development that has raised concerns in the West.
The United States and Ukraine previously accused Russia of firing North Korean-supplied short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine, an allegation that Russia has neither confirmed nor denied.
According to Vedomosti, one of the topics that may be discussed during Putin’s visit to North Korea is the possibility of Russia bringing in migrant workers from the reclusive nation. Russia is currently facing acute labor shortages due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, with hundreds of thousands of men either fighting on the frontlines or fleeing abroad to avoid being mobilized.
Putin’s only previous trip to North Korea dates back to 2000, the first year of his presidency, underscoring the significance of this upcoming visit in strengthening Russia’s ties with the isolated regime.
Regarding Putin’s planned visit to Vietnam, Vedomosti quoted Russia’s trade representative in the Southeast Asian nation as stating last month that the most pressing trade issue between the two countries is banking support for settling payments.
