Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced his desire to visit North Korea in the near future.
Putin to visit North Korea
North Korea's state media KCNA reports that Putin's statement was made during North Korean Foreign Minister Jae Song Hu visit to the Russian Federation last week.
The publication writes that Putin expressed "deep gratitude" for the fact that Kim Jong Un invited him to visit Pyongyang at a convenient time, and also expressed his readiness to visit the DPRK soon.
The government of the DPRK warmly welcomes the visit of President Putin to our country and is ready from the bottom of our hearts to meet the closest friend of the Korean people.
The last time Putin visited North Korea was in 2000, when the country was headed by Kim's late father, Kim Jong Il.
Relations between the Russian Federation and North Korea
KCNA writes that Moscow and Pyongyang discussed "opening a new era of full blossoming of Korean-Russian friendship by intensifying bilateral exchanges and cooperation in all fields this year."
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the two countries have strengthened their military ties.
According to the US, Russia is providing North Korea with advanced military technology and long-range strike capabilities, potentially including ballistic missiles and nuclear capabilities, in exchange for shells and missiles.
In early January, Russia already used ballistic missiles provided by North Korea against Ukraine.
