Russia's aim
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine drags on, Moscow is expected to strengthen military ties with North Korea, which is said to be providing Russia with artillery shells.
Regarding ties with North Korea, NHK Moscow Bureau correspondent Nezu Hirohito points out that Russia has not always placed importance on the relationship. But diplomatic sources say Russia has entered a new stage.
Putin, who started his fifth term in total in office in May, is stepping up his diplomatic activities. Putin has visited China, Belarus and Uzbekistan. Apparently he is looking to create a countermeasure against the United States amid an intensifying conflict with Washington and European countries.
North Korea's aim
North Korea is likely highlighting its ties with Russia in order to counter Japan, the US and South Korea, which have been advancing security cooperation. Pyongyang and Moscow have been deepening relations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Kim stressed at a summit meeting with Putin in September last year that he would place top priority on developing bilateral relations.
Following the meeting, the expansion of military cooperation with Russia seemingly began. In January, the US, Japan and South Korea jointly issued a foreign ministers' statement criticizing Russia for using ballistic missiles in Ukraine that were provided by North Korea.
North Korea revealed in April the establishment of a new military firm. In May, Kim visited a number of munitions companies and inspected tactical missiles and mobile launch pads produced in the country. Observers in South Korea believe North Korea is keeping military exports to Russia in mind.
North Korea is said to be receiving technological support for its military and space programs, as well as food and energy, in return for providing Russia with ballistic missiles and artillery shells. The North has sent a delegation of representatives from various fields, such as the economy, science and technology, to Russia.
Also, it was disclosed in March that Kim began using a car gifted to him by Putin. And in April, a panel of experts at the United Nations Security Council, which had been investigating the implementation of sanctions on North Korea for the past 15 years, was forced to suspend its activities due to Russia's veto power, highlighting the burgeoning partnership between the two countries.
In addition to Russia, North Korea is also placing importance on ties with China. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Pyongyang. Kim held talks in April in North Korea with Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and who is also the third highest-ranking official of the Chinese Communist Party.
It is believed that North Korea hopes to strengthen ties with Russia and China in order to counter Japan, the US and South Korea.