September 08, 2023 11:15
The National Intelligence Service here has confirmed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is likely to travel to Vladivostok to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kim and Putin are expected to meet on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum on Sept. 10-13 in the Siberian port.
"There is a possibility that Kim will make a surprise move by choosing a different route than expected," i.e. by armored train, People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Sang-bum quoted an NIS official as saying in a closed-door briefing.
Kim does not suffer the same paranoid fear of flying as his father Kim Jong-il, and his official jet, though outdated, could make it as far as Vladivostok without having to land for refueling.
NIS chief Kim Kyou-hyun told the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee that the spy agency is "closely watching" Kim's movements and sharing intelligence with foreign intelligence agencies.
Kim and Putin are expected to discuss arms deals.
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