DPRK leader on way to Russia, will discuss UN Security sanctions
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov notes to reporters that no press conference will be held during Kim's visit, but an official dinner will be held in his honor.
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A TV screen shows a file image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023 (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
State media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday to confirm that DPRK leader Kim Jong Un has departed by special train on September 10 and is now on his way to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by senior government officials.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that the two leaders will discuss matters pertaining to bilateral relations, adding that Putin will host an official dinner in honor of his visit.
On Tuesday, Peskov continued to say that the meeting will occur in the Far East. "We are not yet saying [where exactly], in the [Russian] Far East," Peskov told reporters. He did however add earlier that "Both negotiations between delegations and, if necessary, face-to-face meetings [are planned]".
"There are no press conferences planned," he noted.
The last time Kim traveled to Russia to meet Putin was in 2019 when he made a train journey to Vladivostok, Russia's Far East.
"All issues can be discussed. But humanitarian aid is excluded from Security Council resolutions. There are restrictions, but not on food. I will not predict the results, but since many representatives of our government are there, the issues will be discussed as a whole," Rudenko told reporters on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Russia's Vladivostok.
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In light of that, The New York Times was recently notified by US officials and other sources that Kim is possibly expected to board the armored train to Vladivostok, which is currently hosting the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) from September 10 to 13.
Among other revelations, Peskov revealed that Russia is coordinating with the DPRK regarding the UN Security Council, saying that Russia is prepared to discuss the matter of UN Security Council sanctions against the DPRK.
"Processes related to work in the UN and in the Security Council are also becoming a subject for discussion. We are coordinating our actions as neighbors and partners of North Korea. Of course, if necessary, we will be ready to continue a discussion with our friends from North Korea on this topic, if such discussions take place," Peskov said.
