North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is welcomed as he returns to Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency on September 20, 2023. KCNA via REUTERS
SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived back in Pyongyang on his private train on Tuesday evening to cheering crowds after his much-publicized trip to Russia, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.
Kim was greeted by senior officials and a guard of honor at a train station, according to the report, which described his trip as an important step in strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia.
His trip and the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin have since received global attention leader rarely leaves his country and was concerned about possible arms trade and technology transfer with Russia.
Against that background, South Korea called on the Russian ambassador on Tuesday to warn Moscow against any military cooperation with North Korea.
Seoul and Washington have said military cooperation between North Korea and Russia would violate U.N. Security Council resolutions and have urged against it.
Last week, the head of the reclusive state visited a Russian fighter jet factory under Western sanctions during his long trip and praised the country’s aviation technology.
He also met Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who showed the North Korean leader Russian strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships.
RELATED STORIES
Kim Jong Un’s trip to Russia: unique insight into media reporting
Kim Jong-un says Russia will achieve ‘great victory’
Kim Jong Un meets Putin: what do they want from each other?
Your subscription cannot be saved. Try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
