Kim Jong Un Says North Korea ‘Always’ Beside Russia as Putin Toasts to ‘Strong Future’

Russia and North Korea vowed to build closer ties with each other on Wednesday when Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

“I believe my meeting with President Putin will serve as a stepping stone to raise the bilateral ties to a new high level," Kim Jong Un said, praising Putin for fighting with “hegemonist" forces, referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the role played by the US by backing Kyiv regime with weapons and funds.

“I am deeply convinced that the heroic Russian army and nation will greatly inherit the tradition of victory and demonstrate priceless virtues and honour on the fronts of the special military operation (in Ukraine)," Kim told Putin

“We have always expressed full and unconditional support for all the measures taken by the Russian government, and I take this opportunity again to affirm that we will always be with Russia," the North Korean leader, a pariah in the global community, like his host, said.

Both leaders held talks for over two hours after which Putin and Kim Jong Un attended the dinner the former held for the North Korean leader.

“A toast to the future strengthening of cooperation and friendship between our countries. For the well-being and prosperity of our nations, for the health of the chairman and all of those present," Putin said.

Putin hinted that military cooperation could be discussed between both leaders and said that Russia will help North Korea build satellites.

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, Korean People’s Army Marshal Pak Jong Chon and Munitions Industry Department Director Jo Chun Ryong and Kim’s sister Kim Yo Jong were also present for the meeting.

A report by the AFP, citing experts, said the delegation that accompanied Kim Jong Un shows that there will be a strong focus on military talks.

US officials believe that meeting would involve an exchange where Russia would seek North Korean ammunition to use in the war in Ukraine, striking an arms deal that would defy global sanctions, and provide Pyongyang with advanced satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology and food aid in return.

Both leaders toured assembly and launch facilities for the Angara and Soyuz-2 space rocket launchers before sitting down for talks on Wednesday.

Washington has warned North Korea by saying it would pay the price if it were to supply weapons to Russia. Pyongyang responded to the threats by firing two ballistic missiles on Wednesday, the latest in a string of sanctions-busting tests.

“The leader of the DPRK shows great interest in rocket technology, and they are trying to develop (their presence in) space," Putin said, referring to North Korea by its official name. Putin said he was also “glad" to see Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong Un also thanked Putin for inviting him to visit, despite the Russian leader’s “busy schedule".