North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets Russian President for talks

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands at the North Korea-Russia summit held in Russia, on Sep. 13 (local). [Photo by Yonhap]

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit on Wednesday and coordinated issues in all fields, including military and space.

The two leaders appear to have reached an agreement on arms trade, including artillery shells and missiles, raising concerns in the international community.

According to local media outlets including TASS, Kim stated in his opening remarks before the summit that “relations with Russia are a top priority for North Korea” and that “North Korea will stand together (with Russia) in the fight against imperialism.”

Kim was further quoted as emphasizing that his country “supports all of President Putin’s decisions” and “wants to further develop relations with Russia.”

Kim’s meeting with Putin was the first in four years and five months. Kim departed Pyongyang by a special train on Sunday, traveling nearly 2,300 kilometers in three days, and arrived at the Vostochny Cosmodrome on Wednesday.

Local news footage showed Putin walking with Kim ahead of the meeting while introducing the facilities within the space base and Kim writing in a guest book.

“That’s why we are here,” Putin said when asked by a reporter if he would help North Korea develop satellites. “Kim is very interested in rocket technology. They are trying to develop an excellent (satellite-related) program,” he said.

In addition to military issues, the two leaders are believed to have discussed food and economic issues during the summit. The two sides kept a low profile after the summit by not holding a separate press conference or issuing a joint release.