Last week, President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for the first time since 2000, aiming to strengthen Moscow’s relationship with Pyongyang. During the visit, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a new partnership agreement, which included a mutual defense pledge. This visit signifies Russia’s efforts to deepen ties with North Korea amidst changing global dynamics.
Russia plans to resume direct passenger rail service with North Korea in July after a four-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Interfax. The trains will operate from Vladivostok in Russia to the North Korean port of Rason. Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Russia's Primorsky Krai region, announced this at the opening of a North Korean goods festival in Vladivostok. He highlighted that passengers will have the opportunity to experience North Korea’s beauty, nature, culture, customs, and traditions.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent sanctions from Ukraine's allies, Russia has been shifting its focus towards strengthening economic, security, and diplomatic ties with countries in Asia and Africa. The resumption of the rail service and Putin’s visit to North Korea are part of this broader strategy.
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