Kim Jong Un Convenes Politburo Meeting Post Russia Visit: A Deep Dive into North Korea’s Diplomatic Moves

Kim Jong Un Convenes Politburo Meeting Post Russia Visit: A Deep Dive into North Korea’s Diplomatic Moves

Devising Follow-Up Measures Post Russia Visit

Following his recent visit to Russia, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un convened the first formal meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party’s influential politburo. The purpose of the meeting revolved around strategizing follow-up actions related to Kim’s recent diplomatic travels. The state media, however, did not disclose specific details about the meeting or the follow-up measures discussed.

(Read Also: BRICS Expansion: Russia Leads the Way in Welcoming New Members) 

A Closer Look at the Politburo Meeting

At the Politburo meeting held in Pyongyang on September 20, 2023, Kim Jong Un was center stage. It is important to note that independent journalists were not given access to cover the event. The image of the meeting was distributed by the North Korean government, and the content of this image cannot be independently verified.

North Korea’s Intention to Strengthen Ties with Russia

According to reports, Kim Jong Un ordered unspecified steps to further develop North Korea’s relations with Russia following his visit. This move comes as foreign rivals warn that any military cooperation between the two nations could lead to dangerous consequences. Speculations suggest that North Korea and Russia likely discussed banned arms transfer deals and other cooperation measures during Kim’s six-day trip.

(Read Also: Russian President’s Statements on Ongoing Conflicts and Economic Ties with China)

During the Politburo meeting, Kim emphasized the need to develop bilateral ties to a new high level, making a substantial contribution to promoting the well-being of the people of the two countries. While in Russia, Kim met with President Vladimir Putin and visited key Russian military and technology sites.

Rumblings of a Potential Arms Deal

Observers believe that Kim could replenish Russia’s depleted arms stores to support its war efforts in Ukraine in return for advanced weapons technologies and economic aid. The U.S. and South Korea, along with their partners, have warned that Russia and North Korea would face consequences if they proceed with such deals in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban any weapons trade with North Korea.

South Korea’s Stance on the Issue

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, speaking before the U.N. General Assembly, stated that any action by a permanent U.N. Security Council member to circumvent international norms would be dangerous and paradoxical. He also assured that South Korea, along with its allies, will not sit idle over a potential Pyongyang-Moscow weapons deal, posing a threat to not only Ukraine but also South Korea.

North Korea’s Quest for High-Tech Weapons

Experts suggest that North Korea may seek Russian help to complete the development of high-tech weapons systems such as spy satellites, nuclear-powered submarines, and powerful long-range missiles. Kim’s goal is to modernize his weapons arsenals to extract greater concessions from the U.S. and South Korea.

(Read Also: Iran and Russia Deepen Military Alliance Amidst Western Pressure)

The Significance of the Summit Location

The location of the summit at the space center was significant. Meeting at Russia’s eastern spaceport suggests that Putin may offer sanctions-violating satellite launch technology in exchange for North Korean munitions that Moscow would employ in its war in Ukraine. This move has drawn the attention of international observers due to its potential for escalating tensions and violating international norms.