Putin calls Kim Jong-un... Shares 'summit info with Trump'

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

President Putin reportedly shared information about the U.S.-Russia summit—particularly his meeting with President Trump—during a phone call with Chairman Kim Jong-un.
North Korea is supporting Russia with combat troops, including special forces, and weapons, and investors are closely watching how this inter-leader communication may affect such ties.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation, and North Korea emphasized its wholehearted support for measures taken by Russia.

Trump, Putin to Hold Summit Over Ukraine Issue

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Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly spoke by phone with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, sharing information about his planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. This marks the first time North Korean media have revealed a direct conversation between their highest leader and a foreign head of state.

On the 13th, the Kremlin and the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong-un and President Putin had a phone call on the 12th. The Kremlin said, "President Putin shared details related to the U.S.-Russia summit with Kim Jong-un," and added that the two leaders agreed to continue personal contact in the future. President Putin is scheduled to hold a summit with President Trump in Alaska, United States, on the 15th, where issues regarding Ukraine are expected to have a significant impact on North Korea as well. North Korea has dispatched more than 10,000 combat troops, including special forces, to Russia and is exporting various weapons such as shells and missiles. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, commented, "It appears that President Putin explained issues Kim Jong-un was curious about, as the Kremlin disclosed details of the U.S.-Russia summit," and analyzed, "If opinions on ending the war in Ukraine are reached at the summit, there is a possibility that President Putin may deliver Kim Jong-un's position on North Korea-related interests to President Trump."

However, North Korea did not report any details about talks with the U.S. as mentioned by the Kremlin. The news agency simply said, "Russia and North Korea confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation and exchanged views on mutual interests." Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim Jong-un said in the call, "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea will always remain faithful to the spirit of the North Korea-Russia treaty and will fully support all actions to be taken by the Russian leadership in the future."

When President Putin congratulated North Korea on the 80th anniversary of national liberation (Gwangbokjeol) on the 15th, Kim Jong-un responded, "All our people will reverently remember the heroic feats performed by the Red Army soldiers 80 years ago as a true model of genuine internationalism and express their deepest respect to the Soviet Army martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the liberation of Joseon." There is also speculation that Kim Jong-un, who has been invited by President Putin, may soon pay a return visit to Russia.

— Reporter Lee Hyun-il hiuneal@hankyung.com