Payam Javan: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded a week-long trip to Russia on Monday with a visit to the far eastern city of Vladivostok, where he toured a university, an aquarium and an animal food plant, according to state media KCNA.

Kim’s visit to Russia, his first since 2019, came as both countries are facing increasing international isolation due to their respective nuclear programs and the war in Ukraine. During his trip, Kim pledged to step up military and economic cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The visit has raised concerns among the United States and South Korea, who have warned against any weapons trade or other military cooperation between the two countries. Washington and Seoul officials have also expressed concern that Moscow could be seeking to acquire ammunition from North Korea to prop up its dwindling stocks, while Pyongyang could gain technological aid for its spy satellite and missile programs.

Despite these concerns, Kim’s visit to Russia is seen as a sign of the deepening ties between the two countries. In a statement, KCNA said the visit was an “opportunity to further solidify the traditional bond of good-neighbourhood cooperation between the two countries, which are rooted in comradely friendship and military unity, and to open a new chapter in the development of relations.”