A New Era in Russian-North Korean Relations: Putin's First Visit to North Korea Since 2000

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries. 

This visit comes at a time of increasing isolation for both nations from the West and signals a strengthening of their bilateral ties.

Mr. Putin is expected to arrive in Pyongyang to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday. 

This will be Putin’s first trip to the North Korean capital since 2000, when he met with Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong Il. 

The visit follows their recent meeting in September at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s far east.

In a letter published in North Korean state media, Putin praised North Korea for its "firm support" of Moscow's war in Ukraine. 

He also promised to build trade and security systems with Pyongyang that are not influenced by Western powers. 

The Kremlin has described the event as a “friendly state visit,” with expectations of signing a partnership agreement, including on security issues.

Putin’s letter, printed in Rodong Sinmun, the ruling party’s mouthpiece, vowed support for North Korea's efforts to defend its interests against what he described as "US pressure, blackmail, and military threats." 

He emphasized that both countries would continue to “resolutely oppose” Western ambitions to hinder the establishment of a multipolar world order based on mutual respect and justice.

The visit has raised concerns in Washington, with the White House expressing unease about the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea. 

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that while the trip itself is not a concern, the growing ties between the two nations are troubling.

The visit will also include a parade in Kim Il Sung Square, a concert, and a visit to the Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Pyongyang. 

Putin is expected to stay at the Kumsusan guesthouse, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping last stayed during his state visit in 2019. 

He will be accompanied by his new defense minister, Andrei Belousov, as well as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

Kim Jong Un has expressed that ties with Russia have "developed into an unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms." 

During their meeting last year, Putin mentioned possibilities for military cooperation, while Kim wished Russia victory in Ukraine.

Following his visit to North Korea, Putin is expected to travel to Vietnam, another long-time ally, to discuss issues such as trade. 

This series of visits underscores Russia’s strategy to bolster relations with authoritarian regimes amid global security challenges.