Senior South Korean and US officials discussed on Friday the potential visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Seoul expressed its expectations that Putin would visit Pyongyang within the next few days.

Kim Hong-kyun, first vice foreign minister of South Korea, emphasized that Putin's trip "should not contribute to enhancing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, which contravenes UN Security Council resolutions and undermines regional peace and stability."

He made the remarks during a phone call with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, as reported by South Korean KBS World TV.

Campbell expressed Washington's "full support" for Seoul's position, adding that Washington "deeply sympathizes with concerns regarding regional instability and challenges," according to South Korean KBS World TV.

The two sides are preparing a “coordinated stern response to the North's provocations against the South or acts that serve to heighten tensions in the region.”

The Kremlin has neither denied nor confirmed the reports.

It is worth noting that the DPRK leader paid a state visit to Russia last year, and relations have grown amid Moscow’s war on Ukraine since February 2022, which has drawn criticism from US-led Western nations.​​​​​​​

Earlier this year, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on January 15 that Russia aimed to further develop its partnership with the DPRK in all areas, emphasizing that dialogue will continue at all levels. 
 
"First of all, North Korea is our neighbor, our closest neighbor, our partner with whom we are developing and intend to further develop partnership in all areas ... Dialogue with North Korea will continue at all levels," Peskov announced.