The conversation between both leaders lasted more than an hour.
Photo: REUTERS
Negotiations between Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took place at the Vostochny cosmodrome. According to the Russian president’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, the conversation between the two leaders lasted more than an hour. There are no plans to sign documents. Peskov noted that “Russia and the DPRK will build relations based on the interests of the two countries.” And he emphasized that the full range of relations between Russia and North Korea involves “interaction in sensitive areas,” including the military.
The official representative of the Kremlin emphasized that cooperation between the two neighboring states is aimed at the benefit of the people of their countries and not against anyone.
On Radio Komsomolskaya Pravda we talk about the visit of the North Korean leader to Russia and his negotiations with Vladimir Putin with Alexander Zhebin, a prominent researcher at the Center for Korean Studies of the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
THE ARRIVAL IS NOT A THREAT
– Do you agree with the statement that the main result of the Eastern Forum is the very fact that Kim Jong-un comes to us in the form of an “intimidation lever” of Japan and the United States?
– I do not entirely share this point of view. The Eastern Economic Forum is a global program for Russia to establish more effective and diverse ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. And the DPRK, as one of those countries, occupies a very important place in this process. Furthermore, it is a neighboring country with which we have a common border. And the visit itself should not be seen as a response to our opponents, as “intimidation.” We simply work with those countries that are friendly to us and are ready to help even in difficult times.
– Did the DPRK do this?
– Not with words, but with actions. And we are ready to restore those connections that were partially restricted, frozen or lost in the previous period.
DOWN THE SANCTIONS!
– Why did this happened?
– And because of the sanctions against the DPRK, and for several other reasons. And now we are not talking about some kind of threat, but about responding to threats.
– Whose?
– The Americans, together with their Far Eastern allies Japan and South Korea, threaten the security of Russia, North Korea and China. Here is the summit at Camp David on August 18: the creation of a quasi-bloc was discussed, but in reality a military alliance directed against our countries. And in accordance with the agreement with the DPRK on friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation, we promised to consult each other in case common threats and changes in the situation in the Asia-Pacific region arise that affect our security interests. This visit should be considered in the context of such approaches.
– Will we cooperate with the DPRK in the military sphere?
– Including. And we will expand this cooperation, taking into account the new international circumstances, taking into account the new challenges and threats for our countries.
Negotiations between Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took place at the Vostochny cosmodrome
Photo: REUTERS
– Russia and China are preparing to lift some of the sanctions against North Korea. And the United States is militarizing Japan and South Korea without retaliatory measures on our part. Explain what we plan to do?
– Sanctions have a long history. All UN Security Council sanctions resolutions, including those we voted for, include as a mandatory part the provision that any measure taken pursuant to these resolutions must not lead to a worsening of the lives of ordinary citizens of the DPRK.
DOUBLE WEST STANDARD
– What really happened?
– The Americans and their allies blocked all avenues of not only economic and military cooperation between the DPRK, but also largely blocked the supply of humanitarian aid and medical equipment. In North Korea there are several medical facilities: a hospital, a large health complex on the shore of the Sea of Japan. It cannot be equipped because Western companies, after American and secondary sanctions, are afraid to supply medical and other equipment there. But each resolution assumed that measures taken by the UN Security Council to prevent the development of North Korea’s nuclear missile program should not affect ordinary people. But reports from international organizations show that it is the reduction in economic activity in the DPRK, including peaceful sectors, as a result of sanctions that is leading to a noticeable deterioration in the lives of ordinary North Koreans.
– Don’t Americans realize this?
“They are interested, above all, in pressure, but they forget that the resolutions must be implemented in their entirety. I believe that our diplomats, and the Chinese and other countries that adhere to the resolutions, must implement all parts of them, and not just those that suit the West. If the United States and its allies want to pay attention only to the punitive parts of the resolutions, but forget about their humanitarian component, we cannot accept such implementation.
– What is the best way to establish military and economic cooperation with Pyongyang?
– This is still a question that corresponds to the leaders of the countries. We can talk about the development of traditional cooperation “without sanctions.” For example, tourism. North Korea has beautiful beaches along the Sea of Japan coast. Yes, there is not enough infrastructure there, but it is quite possible to solve the problem of Russians going on vacation in a context where many destinations are closed to Russia. There are excellent conditions not only in the Sea of Japan, but also in the Yellow Sea: you just need to build hotels and launch transport links.
– Is there someone in our delegation who is responsible for these areas?
– The composition indicates that we have a comprehensive approach to restoring ties with the DPRK. The heads of industry and transportation are there.
– We don’t have direct flights?
– So far, only North Korean planes fly to us. Flights to Vladivostok have recently resumed. What prevents you from starting a ferry service between the ports of the Far East and the ports of the DPRK, where, in particular, recreation areas with beautiful beaches are located? Both our people and the North Koreans will only say thank you.
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