Kim inspects Russia's best fighter jets for potential cooperation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Sep 2023 08:33

Kim Jong Un's visit to a Russian aircraft factory in Komsomolk-on-Amur showcases potential collaboration between DPRK and Russia in aircraft manufacturing.

DPRK leader, Kim Jong Un, inspects a Russian fighter jet during his visit to the Komsomolk-on-Amur plant in Russia's far-east, on September 15, 2023. (Sputnik)

The leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un, visited a Russian aircraft factory in Komsomolk-on-Amur during his visit to Russia's far-east region.

Kim was accompanied by Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and they inspected an assembly plant where the multirole Su-35, the 5th generation stealth Su-57 fighter jet, and SJ-100 passenger aircraft were produced.

The leader of the DPRK also watched a demonstration flight of the Su-35 fighter jet.

The Russian official emphasized that Russia sees potential for cooperation with the DPRK in multiple fields, including aircraft manufacturing.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kim arrived at Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome via an armored train, where he held high-level talks with President Vladimir Putin and a delegation consisting of top Russian officials, including Manturov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Kim Jong Un invited Putin to visit Pyongyang as the two wrapped up their meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Far East, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Thursday.

"Putin accepted the invitation with pleasure and reaffirmed his will to invariably carry forward the history and tradition of the Russia-DPRK friendship," KCNA reported.

During a televised interview for Russia-1 channel, Lavrov emphasized the commitment of both nations to establishing mutually beneficial cooperation shielded from unlawful Western influence, including cooperation on the DPRK's satellite program.

"We and North Korea 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 took special note of the timing of the meeting, which takes place on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reiterating during his introductory speech that Pyongyang is a "priority" for Moscow.