RT News - June 19 2024 Pres. Putin has arrived in North Korea, signing important documents

President Putin is in North Korea and has announced a new foundational document as a basis for ties between Russia and North Korea. Details of the schedule so far (live updates) below. RT covers the day so far and what this trip all means in depth, far too much to describe, watch for yourselves.
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NATO says in or to join the "alliance" it must first defeat Russia on the battlefield. Remarks made by John Kirby during the Whitehouse press briefing (also reiterated on the 17th June at a NATO press conference - includes video https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_226400.htm#:~:text=And%20without%20that%2C%20of%20course,and%20then%20Wall%20Street%20Journal. ) Marina Kosareva reports - the west doesn't care if there is anything left of Ukraine or it's people at all.
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Updates on Israel / Gaza: Warplanes have been used to strike Rafah, homes have been destroyed and more civilians have been killed. Disturbing images. 37,300 civilians have now been killed in Gaza. Sec. of State for USA Blinken said all shipments of weapons to Israel will continue bar one - the 2 ton megabombs. (I think the restrictions on those were lifted yesterday?) Maria Finoshina reports from Jerusalem where protests continue - calling for the resignation of President Netanyahu. She talks to some of the protesters. President Netanyahu made claims about the supply of weaponry being halted.

Dmitry Diliani makes note of the strange process of supply of weapons and money for Israel, where the western taxpayers pay for the weapons and the citizens of Gaza pay the price.

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Short take on my short take this morning: Vladimir Putin announces a new foundational document as a basis for ties between Russia and North Korea praising Pyongyang’s full support for Moscow’s special military operation in Ukraine. The Russian leader got a cordial reception in Pyongyang ahead of talks with Kim Jong-un. Meanwhile, the US says everyone must be concerned about Moscow’s deepening ties with Pyongyang. Russia has advised Washington to mind its own leader’s moves.

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President Putin’s state visit to North Korea: LIVE UPDATES

The Russian president is set to hold a lengthy discussion with Kim Jong-un after a welcoming ceremony

Russian President Vladimir Putin has a “very busy agenda” for his state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, during which he is expected to hold comprehensive talks with the country's leadership on economic and security cooperation, along with global issues.

Kim Jong-un personally greeted Putin upon his arrival at Pyongyang airport early on Wednesday, and the two leaders are expected to hold face-to-face talks to discuss “the most important, the most sensitive issues” after an official welcoming ceremony.

Russia and North Korea are expected to sign a number of bilateral documents, including a landmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.

19 June 2024

09:43 GMT
After the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang was signed, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called Russia “the most honest friend and comrade” of his country. Russian President Vladimir Putin is “the dearest friend of the Korean people,” he added.

09:35 GMT
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has described the newly signed Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang as a “peaceful and defensive” document.

“I have no doubt that it will become a driving force in accelerating the creation of a new multipolar world,” Kim said.

09:08 GMT
Russian foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov has revealed that the Russian and North Korean leaders have exchanged gifts. “We presented [Kim Jong-un] with an ‘Aurus’ car,” Ushakov said. The Russian-made family of vehicles includes limousines for senior officials. Putin and his North Korean counterpart were driven from the airport in one upon the Russian leader’s arrival in Pyongyang earlier on Wednesday. According to Ushakov, the Russian delegation also gifted Kim a naval dirk and a “very beautiful tea set.”

The official did not disclose what Putin had received in exchange, merely noting that he had been given “nice gifts, too.”

“They are connected with depictions of our president,” he hinted, adding that all of them are “of quite a high artistic value, including busts.”

08:35 GMT
Following talks in Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will replace similar documents sealed back in 1961 and 2000.

Earlier on Wednesday, Putin said a “new fundamental document has been prepared that will lay the groundwork for our relations in the long term.”

Ahead of the top-level meeting, Russian presidential foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov explained the need for a new accord, citing the “deep evolution of the geopolitical situation in the world and the region, as well as the qualitative changes that have taken place in bilateral relations recently.” The agreement is not directed against any particular state, but rather promotes stability in northeastern Asia, he added. Ushakov stopped short of disclosing whether the document would encompass military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, merely noting that it would take into account all the latest developments, including “security issues.”

10:55 GMT
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang envisages Russia and North Korea providing assistance to each other in the event of aggression against either of the countries.

In view of Western plans to deliver F-16 fighter jets and other high-precision weapons to Ukraine amid the conflict with Russia, Moscow “does not rule out the possibility of development of military-technical cooperation with North Korea in accordance with the agreement that was signed today,” Putin added.

10:30 GMT
The “confrontational policy” pursued by Washington towards Pyongyang creates a security threat for all nations in Southeast Asia, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

The expansion of US military infrastructure in the region “goes hand in hand with the growing scale of military exercises, involving South Korea and Japan, that are clearly hostile to North Korea,” he added.

“Such steps undermine peace and stability on the [Korean] peninsula and threaten the security of all the countries in Southeast Asia,” Putin stressed, following the signing of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.

10:15 GMT
Speaking after signing the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that “the indefinite UN Security Council sanctions regime against North Korea, which was inspired by the US and its allies, must be revised.”

North Korea has been under harsh UNSC restrictions since 2006, when the country carried out its first nuclear bomb test.

09:43 GMT
After the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang was signed, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called Russia “the most honest friend and comrade” of his country. Russian President Vladimir Putin is “the dearest friend of the Korean people,” he added.

09:35 GMT
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has described the newly signed Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang as a “peaceful and defensive” document.

“I have no doubt that it will become a driving force in accelerating the creation of a new multipolar world,” Kim said.

09:08 GMT
Russian foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov has revealed that the Russian and North Korean leaders have exchanged gifts. “We presented [Kim Jong-un] with an ‘Aurus’ car,” Ushakov said. The Russian-made family of vehicles includes limousines for senior officials. Putin and his North Korean counterpart were driven from the airport in one upon the Russian leader’s arrival in Pyongyang earlier on Wednesday. According to Ushakov, the Russian delegation also gifted Kim a naval dirk and a “very beautiful tea set.”

The official did not disclose what Putin had received in exchange, merely noting that he had been given “nice gifts, too.”

“They are connected with depictions of our president,” he hinted, adding that all of them are “of quite a high artistic value, including busts.”

08:35 GMT
Following talks in Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will replace similar documents sealed back in 1961 and 2000.

Earlier on Wednesday, Putin said a “new fundamental document has been prepared that will lay the groundwork for our relations in the long term.”

Ahead of the top-level meeting, Russian presidential foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov explained the need for a new accord, citing the “deep evolution of the geopolitical situation in the world and the region, as well as the qualitative changes that have taken place in bilateral relations recently.” The agreement is not directed against any particular state, but rather promotes stability in north eastern Asia, he added. Ushakov stopped short of disclosing whether the document would encompass military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, merely noting that it would take into account all the latest developments, including “security issues.”

07:09 GMT
The leaders of Russia and North Korea have wrapped up one-on-one discussions, which followed talks between the countries’ delegations. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un are about to sign a number of bilateral documents at an official ceremony, before addressing the media.

06:17 GMT
Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, involving both countries’ delegations, have concluded in Pyongyang. The negotiations lasted for an hour and a half. The two leaders are also expected to hold a one-on-one meeting later in the day.

06:12 GMT
Kim Jong-un has said North Korea “appreciates the Russian Federation’s important mission and role in upholding strategic stability and balance in the world.” He stressed that Pyongyang “fully supports and stands in solidarity with the Russian government, army and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine.” The North Korean leader further pledged to back Moscow’s policies going forward. Putin, in turn, thanked his counterpart for his consistent support.

05:56 GMT
President Putin revealed that “today a new fundamental document has been prepared that will lay the groundwork for our relations in the long term.”

05:45 GMT
President Putin recalled that relations between Russia and North Korea are rooted in the two nations’ common struggle against the Japanese military during World War II, with the Red Army soldiers playing a key role in liberating the Korean peninsula. The Russian head of state also noted that Soviet military personnel provided assistance to the DPRK during the Korea War in the early 1950’s.

05:44 GMT
As talks got underway, the Russian president pointed out that the “interaction between our countries is based on the principles of equality [and] mutual respect of each other’s interests.” President Putin stated that the “solid friendship and close neighborliness” between Russia and the DPRK have spanned many decades.

According to the Russian leader, both Moscow and Pyongyang are fighting against the “US and its satellite states’ hegemonic and imperialist policies.” He also expressed gratitude to the North Korean leader for supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.

19 June 2024

05:43 GMT
Speaking at the start of official talks with Kim Jong-un, President Putin expressed confidence that “our negotiations today will be productive.” The Russian head of state noted that the governments of both Russia and North Korea have been actively working to ensure that agreements sealed at previous top-level meetings materialize.

“I am very happy about our new meeting. I hope the next one will be held in Russia, in Moscow,” President Putin added, thanking his counterpart for his invitation to visit Pyongyang.

03:56 GMT
Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin have begun official negotiations at the Kumsusan residence in central Pyongyang. The countries’ delegations are also taking part in the talks at this stage.

Representing Russia are Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, presidential foreign affairs aide Yury Ushakov, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov and ambassador Aleksandr Matsegora, among other top officials.

The North Korean delegation includes, among other dignitaries, Prime Minister Kim Tok-hun and Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui.

03:18 GMT
President Putin has joined his North Korean counterpart at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang as an official ceremony begins. The local military orchestra played the national anthems of the two nations, with artillery guns firing a welcoming salvo.

The square is packed with local residents, who came to greet the Russian president.
Kim and Putin walked down the red carpet, with two large portraits of the leaders overlooking the venue.

03:05 GMT
The official part of President Putin’s visit to North Korea is about to get underway, with Kim Jong-un making an appearance at the venue in Pyongyang. Members of the Russian delegation, which included several top ministers as well as Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov are also in attendance.

02:46 GMT
In the run-up to President Putin’s visit, Pyongyang streets were decorated with countless Russian flags, alternating with those of the host nation. On top of that, North Korean authorities placed multiple banners along the presidential motorcade’s route, inscribed with welcoming greetings both in Korean and Russian. As seen in the footage shared by the Russian media, portraits of President Putin also appeared en masse along the streets of Pyongyang.

On arrival at the residence, Kim took his guest on a short excursion of the palace, which was adorned with white, blue and red flowers representing the colors of the Russian flag. The Russian head of state thanked his North Korean counterpart for hospitality, upon which Kim left the residence.

02:21 GMT
The two leaders left the airport in the same vehicle, and Kim saw his guest off to the Kumsusan residence for senior foreign visitors, where President Putin would rest after his flight.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that “driving along the beautiful streets of Pyongyang… the leaders shared innermost thoughts and exchanged opinions on the development of relations between the DPRK and Russia.”

The state-run media outlet pointed out that the two officials continued their conversation on arrival at the residence, with President Putin expressing “deep gratitude for the fact that Comrade Kim Jong-un personally came to the airport to cordially greet him.”

01:57 GMT
Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, earlier said that the two sides intend to sign several agreements, including a landmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.

“The approaches of the two countries to current foreign policy problems are very close or completely coincide,” Ushakov said, noting that Moscow and Pyongyang advocate the formation of a multipolar world on the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.

01:53 GMT
Putin reveals goals of North Korea tripREAD MORE: Putin reveals goals of North Korea trip
Ahead of his second trip to Pyongyang after 24 years, the Russian president outlined the goals of the visit in an article published by the leading DPRK daily, Rodong Sinmun.

Moscow and Pyongyang will develop their own trade and security arrangements, immune from pressure from the West, to bring “more democracy and stability to international relations,” Putin wrote. The countries will also “jointly oppose illegitimate unilateral restrictions, and shape the architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia,” he added.

01:39 GMT
Though it was early morning in Pyongyang, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un personally arrived at the airport as President Putin’s plane touched down. The two officials spoke for a few minutes right then and there on the red carpet surrounded by an honor guard company.