Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warm reception of North Korea’s top diplomat in Moscow has sparked speculation about a potential summit in Pyongyang.
Amid Russia’s war in Ukraine, experts suggest that such a visit could strengthen diplomatic and military ties between the two nations. As Putin gears up for an all-but-certain election victory, the timing of a visit to North Korea becomes a crucial aspect of his diplomatic strategy.
Putin’s Probable Overseas Visit:
Kremlin spokesman’s confirmation of Putin’s intention to visit Pyongyang “at a convenient time” has piqued international interest. Analysts predict that North Korea could be Putin’s first overseas destination post-inauguration on May 7, signifying a strategic move to bolster ties with the reclusive nation during a challenging global landscape.
Diplomatic and Military Ties in Focus:
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, evidence suggests Russia has utilized North Korean arms, including missiles. Experts speculate that extending diplomatic support to Pyongyang would serve as a symbolic and cost-effective means of reciprocation. Cho Han-bum, a Russia expert, notes that North Korean ammunition has played a crucial role in Russia’s war efforts, making a summit in Pyongyang a strategic gesture without incurring significant costs.
Potential Summit Agenda:
During North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui’s visit to Moscow, progress in implementing agreements between Kim Jong-un and Putin, dating back to September, was acknowledged. The agenda for a potential summit could include discussions on North Korean workers in Russia, prospects of arms support, and the return of Donald Trump to the White House. The experts suggest that addressing North Korea’s role in rebuilding Ukraine’s eastern region under Russian control might also be on the table, given the influx of North Korean workers into Russia amid the war.
Shared Hostility Toward U.S.-Centric Order:
An underlying theme uniting Russia and North Korea is their shared opposition to the current U.S.-centric world order. With a preference for Trump’s win in the upcoming election, both nations aim to reshape the status quo sustained under President Joe Biden. Recent polls indicating Trump’s sweeping victory in the Iowa caucuses and Biden’s record-low approval ratings underscore the relevance of this shared objective.
Conclusion:
As Putin contemplates a potential visit to Pyongyang, the geopolitical landscape surrounding Russian-North Korean relations takes center stage. The prospect of a summit holds strategic significance amid Russia’s engagement in Ukraine and the evolving global order. The potential agenda, encompassing diplomatic ties, military cooperation, and shared opposition to the U.S.-centric world order, positions a summit as a pivotal moment in shaping the trajectory of these bilateral relations. As the international community observes these diplomatic maneuvers, the potential summit between Putin and Kim Jong-un could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global power dynamics.
