DPRK leader Kim Jong Un arrives at Russian border to meet Putin in the Far East
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in the Russian border city of Khasan for the first meeting with President Vladimir Putin in the Pacific coast city of Vladivostok, Yonhap reported, citing Russian media.
Kim left "by a private train at dawn on Wednesday to visit the Russian Federation," the DPRK's state media KCNA reported.
It will be his first talks with the Russian president.
Kim Jong Un (L) departs to visit Russia at an undisclosed location in this undated photo released by KCNA, April 23, 2019. /Reuters Photo
Kim and Vladimir Putin will meet in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok on Thursday, the Kremlin said.
"The focus will be on a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula," Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told a briefing on Tuesday.
He said the situation on the Korean Peninsula had "stabilized somewhat" in recent months.
"Russia intends to help in any way possible to cement that positive trend," he said.
Flags of Russia and the DPRK are seen fixed on lamp posts on Russky Island in the Russian port of Vladivostok, April 23, 2019. /AFP Photo
Ushakov said the talks would begin one-on-one and then move into an "expanded format," without providing further details.
He said no joint statement or signing of agreements was planned.
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Russia: Putin and Kim to meet Thursday in Russia's Far East
(Cover: Kim Jong Un departs to visit Russia at undisclosed location in this undated photo released by KCNA, April 23, 2019. /Reuters Photo)