Putin: Moscow, Pyongyang to develop settlement systems free of West’s control

TOKYO, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Russia and North Korea would develop alternative systems for trade and mutual settlements that were uncontrolled by Western countries and jointly oppose their "illegitimate restrictive measures," according to North's state media. Putin made the remarks in an article carried by the Korean Central News Agency before his two-day visit to North Korea, which began today, for talks with leader Kim Jong-un. It will mark his first trip to the country in 24 years. In the article, Putin said the two countries are "firmly convinced that we will put bilateral cooperation onto a higher level with our joint efforts," which will contribute to "deepening economic and trade relations." The president also thanked North Korea for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine, saying, "We highly appreciate that the DPRK (North Korea) is firmly supporting the special military operations of Russia being conducted in Ukraine, expressing solidarity with us on major international issues and maintaining the common line and stand at the UN." Putin vowed support for North Koreans' struggle to defend their rights in the confrontation with "the cunning, dangerous and aggressive enemy." Last September, Putin and Kim held the summit meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome space launch center in Russia's Far East. Source: Kuwait News Agency