DPRK leader 'satisfied' with results of visit to Russia: Ambassador

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Sep 2023 08:57

The Russian envoy previously said that Kim has expressed an interest in a wide range of cooperative projects between Russia and the DPRK.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, center right, shakes hands with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, after his visits to a military airfield and the Russian Pacific fleet in Vladivostok, the Russian Far East, on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

Russia's Ambassador to the DPRK, Alexander Matsegora, said on Sunday that DPRK leader Kim Jong Un appeared content with his trip to Russia.

"As far as I understand and as far as I can judge, he is satisfied with the results of the visit, although, I repeat once again, it is not over yet, it is still ongoing," Matsegora told reporters, adding that the Korean leader is also planning to visit several food industry facilities in the Primorsky Territory.

Yesterday, the envoy said that Kim has expressed an interest in a wide range of cooperative projects between Russia and the DPRK.

Kim Jong Un received a warm welcome from Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Space Center, situated in Russia's far eastern region, on Wednesday. During that time, the two leaders conducted high-level talks, with the presence of several top officials, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

During a televised interview for Russia-1 channel, Lavrov emphasized the commitment of both nations to establishing a mutually beneficial cooperation shielded from unlawful Western influence. "We and the DPRK will develop, as confirmed by our leaders today, a mutually beneficial cooperation not susceptible to illegal Western pressure," Lavrov stated.

Negotiations between the two delegations, lasting approximately six hours, included a four-hour head-to-head discussion between the two leaders. This visit marks Kim Jong Un's second trip to Russia, with his previous visit taking place in 2019.

Putin made a significant observation regarding the timing of the meeting, emphasizing that it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In his opening remarks, he reiterated that Pyongyang holds a "priority" status for Moscow.