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North Korea (North Korea) launched two ballistic missiles again on Wednesday (13/9/2023) ahead of the country’s leader Kim Jong-un’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photos/Illustrations
SEOUL – North Korea (North Korea) again launched two short-range ballistic missiles from an area near the capital Pyongyang on Wednesday (13/9/2023). This was done a few hours before the meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The South Korean (South Korean) military and the Japanese government said the missile was launched into the sea off North Korea’s east coast.
Analysts say this is the first time North Korea has launched a ballistic missile while Kim Jong-un is abroad. This suggests an increased level of delegation and a better control system for the country’s nuclear and missile programs.
For your information, Kim Jong-un only made seven trips abroad during his 12 years in power, all of which were in 2018 and 2019. He also crossed the inter-Korean border twice, as quoted by Reuters.
Meanwhile in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed his North Korean compatriot Kim Jong-un at the Russian cosmodrome. The choice to meet at the Vostochny Cosmodrome – a symbol of Russia’s ambitions as a space power – is significant, as North Korea has twice failed to launch reconnaissance satellites in the last four months.
“I’m pleased to meet you,” Putin said earlier as he welcomed Kim Jong-un to the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a modern space launch facility in the Amur region in Russia’s Far East.
“This is our new cosmodrome,” Putin explained to his colleague.
Regarding the agenda for the meeting, Putin said he and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would discuss Pyongyang’s satellite program.
Kim Jong-un has made launching spy satellites a top priority, as he pushes his nuclear-armed country to ramp up development of ballistic missiles, drones and attack submarines.