Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held talks at a space center in Russia's Far East on Wednesday. They are believed to have discussed expanding cooperation on military technologies during the approximately five hours they spent together.
Putin and Kim each arrived at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur region in the afternoon, local time.
Kim visited facilities in the center, guided by Putin, and observed the launch pad of a Soyuz rocket, among others.
Putin was asked by a reporter whether he plans to support North Korea's satellite development. He said that was the reason for the visit.
Asked if he plans to discuss cooperation on military technologies, Putin said he and Kim will take time to talk about all the issues.
The summit began at around 2:30 p.m., local time. Putin said at the outset that he and Kim need to discuss economic cooperation, humanitarian issues and regional situations.
Kim said Russia is now facing hegemonic forces, and pushing forward with a sense of justice in an effort to protect its rights, safety and interests.
The summit talks were held one-on-one, accompanied only by interpreters, and lasted for about two hours.
At an official dinner, Putin stressed in his address the importance of relations with North Korea.
Russia's state media is reporting that the leaders ended their meetings at around 6:30 p.m.
Kim reportedly left the space center by car, sent off by Putin.
Other countries are closely watching the moves of Russia and North Korea as they are apparently aiming to deepen their military cooperation.