Over the course of a formal and congenial visit, the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, expressed heartfelt thanks to President Vladimir Putin, to the Russian government, and to the Russian people for the warm hospitality shown during his stay. He boarded a special train to depart from Vladivostok, marking a symbolic close to this chapter of the trip. The acknowledgments were conveyed in a message disseminated by North Korea’s state broadcaster, Voice of Korea, which highlighted the gratitude and good wishes extended to Russia.
In the post-visit message, Kim Jong-un reiterated his gratitude for the attentive reception and the cordial treatment he received from Russia’s leadership and citizens. He wished prosperity and continued well-being for the Russian nation and its people, underscoring a tone of mutual respect and constructive dialogue between the two nations.
The visit is widely viewed as an inflection point in the evolving relationship between Korea and Russia. It is regarded as the opening of a new era characterized by enhanced diplomatic engagement, expanded cooperation, and deeper dialogue across multiple sectors, ranging from economic collaboration to security matters and people-to-people exchanges.
The trip spanned several days with the North Korean leader traveling by train to Russia and meeting the Russian head of state in person. The itinerary included discussions of shared interests and regional stability, culminating in a notable encounter at a major Russian spaceport, where both leaders discussed goals related to science, technology, and regional development. The timing and sequence of events appear designed to project a trajectory of strengthened bilateral ties and ongoing collaboration on strategic priorities.
Additionally, through public statements and official communications, Kim Jong-un reaffirmed the confidence he has in the readiness of Russian security assets, including the Pacific Fleet, to contribute to regional balance and security in Asia and beyond. The remarks emphasize a perception of Russia as a reliable partner capable of providing stability in a dynamic and sometimes unsettled strategic landscape. This perspective aligns with ongoing efforts to build a durable framework for cooperation that spans defense, energy, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges, reinforcing the sense that both nations are pursuing a shared regional vision.