Putin and Kim Jong-un Exchange Rifles as Gifts During Summit
Kim Concludes Russia Tour
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September 18, 2023
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un exchanged rifles as gifts during their recent summit, according to a spokesperson for the Kremlin.
The two leaders met in Russia as part of Kim's tour of the country, which also included a visit to a fighter jet factory.
During the summit, Putin presented Kim with a rifle from Russian production, while Kim gave Putin a North Korean-made rifle in return. Putin also gifted Kim with a glove from a space suit that had been to space multiple times.
Kim's visit to Russia's Far East ended over the weekend, after several days of talks. Upon arrival in the city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Kim was greeted by a group of women in traditional Russian costumes, as well as North Korean officials waiting by a specially constructed ramp and red carpet.
Residents were seen peering out from their balconies to catch a glimpse of Kim's convoy as it passed by. Roads in the city were closed to allow for the leader's free movement.
Following the summit, Putin announced that Kim would visit an aircraft factory in the city to observe the production of fighter jets. Kim would then travel to Vladivostok to oversee a display of Russian warships and visit a university and other facilities. Russian colleges in the Far East have historically accepted North Korean students.
Speculation has arisen regarding what Kim hopes to gain from Russia in exchange for assisting Putin in his ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Russia needs ammunition to continue fighting in Ukraine, while North Korea seeks assistance from Moscow in developing its missile and space programs.
However, there are doubts as to whether Russia would be willing to share its sensitive weapons technologies with North Korea.
Putin has also accepted Kim's invitation to visit Pyongyang. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to visit Pyongyang in October before a Putin visit can be arranged.
This would be the Russian president's second trip to North Korea since he became president. He previously visited Pyongyang in July 2000 to meet Kim's father, Kim Jong-il.
The summit between Putin and Kim received both praise and concerns from the international community. The US and South Korea warned against any potential arms deal between Russia and North Korea, citing violations of UN Security Council resolutions.
There is a particular concern that North Korea could receive advanced weapons technologies from Russia, further escalating tensions surrounding Kim's military nuclear program.
For now, the world watches as the relationship between Putin and Kim continues to develop, with both sides expressing a willingness for military cooperation.