Kremlin: "Kim Jong-un and Putin to Meet One-on-One in the Far East" (Update)

One-on-One Meeting - Scheduled to Attend Official Dinner
In Response to US Warning, "Bilateral Interests Are More Important"

Regarding the summit between North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin announced on the 12th that it will take place within a few days in the Far East region. Although the specific location and schedule have not yet been mentioned, the Kremlin stated that the two leaders will hold a one-on-one meeting and a dinner, but there will be no joint press conference, drawing attention to the background of this decision.

The Kremlin announced on the 12th (local time) that Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, will hold a summit in the Russian Far East within a few days. The photo shows the bridge connecting Russky Island and Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, taken on the 26th of last month. [Image source=Yonhap News] Photo by Yonhap News

According to TASS and other sources, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said this at a press conference on the same day. He avoided mentioning the exact location, only describing it as the "Far East region." According to the Kremlin announcement, a one-on-one meeting between Chairman Kim and President Putin is planned, and President Putin will host an official welcoming dinner for Chairman Kim. Separately, no press conference is scheduled.

The two are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation issues as well as regional and international situations during the talks, Peskov explained. He also hinted that "sensitive areas" would be addressed during the negotiations, implying that discussions on arms deals might take place.

Regarding the U.S. warning about North Korea-Russia arms transactions, Peskov emphasized, "When it comes to relations with neighboring countries including North Korea, the interests of the two countries are more important than the U.S. warnings," adding, "Our focus is on the interests of both countries."

Earlier, the U.S. stated that if North Korea and Russia engage in arms transactions, it would violate United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions, and additional sanctions would be imposed if necessary.

Peskov said he is prepared to discuss issues related to UNSC sanctions with North Korea if needed.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Russian media Vesti Primorye reported that the train carrying Chairman Kim has passed through Hassan Station, located near the North Korea-Russia border, and is heading toward Ussuriysk. Earlier, Japan's private broadcaster TBS-led news network JNN reported, citing Russian regional officials, that Chairman Kim's train arrived at Hassan Station on the same day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.