The Primorsky Aquarium received North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, with notable ceremony and recognition, according to reports from RIA News. The event reflected the institution’s ongoing role in showcasing advanced research, education, and public engagement inside Russia’s maritime science community.
Olga Shevchenko, the director of the aquarium, expressed pride in hosting a guest of such international stature. She noted that the facility is a leading scientific and educational hub not only within Russia but also on a global scale. Shevchenko emphasized that the complex stands as the premier aquarium in the country and among the best worldwide, highlighting its unique position as part of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science’s integrated system. The remarks underscored the institution’s commitment to excellence in research, conservation, and public outreach.
Earlier coverage confirmed that Kim Jong-un visited the Primorsky Oceanarium located in Vladivostok, where he toured the exhibits alongside high-ranking officials. The group included Alexander Kozlov, the head of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources, Primorye Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, and Russia’s ambassador to Pyongyang, Alexander Matsegora. During the tour, the leader observed the aquarium’s exhibitions and attended a marine mammal show, underscoring the venue’s role in presenting Russia’s aquatic biodiversity to a global audience.
Reports also indicated that the president’s itinerary in the region included a stop at Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, reflecting a broader engagement with Russia’s scientific and educational institutions in the Far East.
On September 12, the timeline confirms Kim Jong-un’s presence in Russia, followed by a meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny spaceport the following day. These exchanges are part of a series of high-level visits that have featured discussions on regional cooperation, scientific exchange, and mutual interests in space exploration and defense technologies.
Subsequent reporting suggested that conversations between Russian defense leadership and Kim Jong-un had taken place, indicating discussions that spanned security, regional stability, and collaboration across defense sectors. The sequence of visits and meetings highlights a pattern of exchanges that aim to strengthen ties and foster dialogue among the respective scientific, cultural, and strategic communities involved.
Together, these events illustrate the Primorsky region’s role as a focal point for international engagement in science, education, and cultural exchange. They also reflect broader efforts by Russian institutions to position themselves as gateways for scientific knowledge, biodiversity preservation, and public access to world-class exhibitions. The involvement of prominent officials and diplomats in these visits signals a sustained interest in showcasing Russia’s capabilities and partnerships to a global audience.