Putin ready to meet N. Korea's Kim soon – North's state media
The Kremlin has sent a message to North Korea, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet with Kim Jong-un soon and discuss three-way projects with both Koreas. The telegram is quoted by the North's state media, according to the report by Russia Today.
The Kremlin's missive was sent to congratulate Kim on National Liberation Day, a holiday celebrated in both Koreas that marks the end of their occupation by Japan in 1945, which was assisted by Soviet and American troops.
According to the North Korean state news agency KCNA, Putin said he was confident that North Korea, South Korea and Russia can work together on joint projects in "mutually beneficial cooperation." He also said he would be willing to meet Kim "soon" to discuss urgent issues, both bilateral and regional. No specific date has been set.
The source reminds that Putin had earlier invited Kim to visit Russia, floating the idea of the North's leader visiting Vladivostok for an economic forum in September, or coming for a stand-alone visit.