Putin meets N Korean minister

Seoul: Russian President Vladimir Putin met North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui at the Kremlin, thanking Pyongyang for supporting Moscow’s war against Ukraine, Russian state media reported on Monday.

Choe’s visit, at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, has fuelled speculation that the two sides are preparing for another summit between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. 

South Korea said it was closely monitoring the meetings but declined to comment on whether another leaders’ summit was under discussion.

According to the Tass news agency, Putin praised bilateral ties and expressed gratitude to North Korea for backing Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. Choe conveyed Kim’s commitment to expanding relations with Moscow.

Kim has strengthened ties with Russia in recent years, sending troops and weapons to support Moscow’s war effort, reportedly in return for economic assistance and military technology. 

Putin invited Kim to visit Russia during their summit in Pyongyang in June 2024, where the two leaders signed a mutual defence pact.  —AP