Did Kim Thank Putin for Praising North Korean Troops in Russia?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kim Jong-un thanked Vladimir Putin for recognizing North Korean troops.
- Strengthening of ties between North Korea and Russia is evident.
- 13,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russia.
- A mutual defense pact was established in June 2022.
- The meeting was held during a military parade commemorating WWII.
Seoul, Sep 3 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for commending the North's soldiers stationed in Russia to support Moscow's military efforts in Ukraine during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of a military parade in Beijing this Wednesday.
The two leaders convened at the Diaoyutai state guest house after participating in the military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, celebrating 80 years since the conclusion of World War II in 1945.
In the course of their discussions, Putin remarked that he would “never forget” the contributions of North Korean troops who fought with “courage and heroism” in the front-line region of Kursk during the conflict against Ukraine.
In reply, Kim appreciated Putin's recognition of his troops aiding Russia and emphasized that the North views this support as a “brotherly duty” to assist Moscow.
Kim highlighted the evolution of relations between the two nations since signing a strategic partnership treaty in June of the previous year, which encompassed a mutual defense agreement for immediate military aid if either nation faced armed aggression.
He further pledged to do “everything possible” to assist Russia.
This meeting occurs amidst escalating collaboration between North Korea and Russia across various sectors, which has included the deployment of North Korean troops in support of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, according to the Yonhap news agency.
Since October of the last year, North Korea has dispatched approximately 13,000 soldiers along with conventional weapons to bolster Russia's war efforts.
Earlier in the day, Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin engaged in bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the military parade in Beijing.
The leaders met at the Diaoyutai state guest house following their attendance at the military parade at Tiananmen Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 1945.
During their encounter, Kim conveyed his appreciation to Putin for recognizing his troops fighting for Russia and committed to enhancing bilateral relations.
Their discussions reflect the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia across multiple domains, which involve the North's troop deployment in support of Russia's military activities in Ukraine.