Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in Moscow in September, 2023. (photo: KCNA)

Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to visit the DPRK soon, the DPRK’s Central News Agency (KCNA) said, quoting a statement by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

New drivers for Russia and DPRK

The DPRK’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui visited Russia January 15-17. The DPRK said Ms. Choe’s visit was part of an agreement reached at the historic summit between DPRK leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin last September in Russia’s Far East, and is an important step to promote strategic relations between the two countries.

Pyongyang said the two sides expressed their determination to strengthen strategic cooperation to protect each country's core interests and establish a new multi-polar international order.

Russia has also conveyed messages confirming new drivers in its relations with the DPRK.

“President Putin and the DPRK’s Foreign Minister discussed bilateral relations in general, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and outstanding international issues. The most important thing is still the development of bilateral relations and, as we have said, the DPRK is Russia’s very important partner. We want to develop multi-lateral relations, including sensitive areas," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Experts say Russia and the DPRK promoting bilateral relations is a "natural" choice, with both countries dealing with security pressure and large-scale sanctions from the West. Since the meeting between President Putin and leader Kim last September, both sides have stepped up reciprocal visits. Between July and November last year, Russia sent four working delegations to the DPRK to discuss cooperation in gold mining, steel, rare earth, meat, and grain exports from Russia to the DPRK.

For Russia, strengthening relations with the DPRK is consistent with its strategy of shifting political and economic relations to the East after the breakdown of relations with the West. Cooperation with Russia helps the DPRK enhance its position and meet its demands for security, energy, and food. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday that the two countries are developing relations in an appropriate and positive manner in accordance with national interests. There is no reason to be afraid of opposition from other countries, he added.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) and DPRK Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui meet  in Moscow on January 16, 2024. (photo: AFP/VNA)

Concern from other parties

The strong development of Russia-DPRK relations has created a new geopolitical situation. The US and its two allies in northeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea, are increasingly concerned about it. Since late last year, US officials have been claiming that the DPRK is supporting Russia in Ukraine. Both Russia and the DPRK denied this.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea and Japan are concerned that Russia could transfer advanced military technology to the DPRK and help the DPRK upgrade its satellite and ballistic missile programs.

The DPRK's successful launch of satellites and more missile tests recently has made the US, Japan, and the Republic of Korea even more wary. On January 18, special envoys from the US, Japan, and the Republic of Korea met to discuss the new situation, criticizing the DPRK and calling for dialogue.

US Deputy Special Envoy for the DPRK Jung Pak, said that the US seeks dialogue with the DPRK without preconditions and harbors no hostile intent toward the DPRK. 

Lee Ho-ryung, an expert at the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis, said it is not surprising that the DPRK is strengthening relations with Russia, because it is necessary to choose potential partners in the global complex situation.

Joseph Dempsey, a defense analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said the DPRK will clearly benefit from cooperation with Russia.