Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on an extensive eastern tour, which includes state visits to North Korea and Vietnam, with a stop in the Russian region of Yakutia along the way.
This journey underscores the importance the Russian leader places on these upcoming contacts. The trip's challenging itinerary involves significant time zone differences and extensive travel distances. For instance, the flight from Moscow to Yakutsk covers 4,882 km and takes approximately 6.5 hours. From Yakutsk to Pyongyang, Putin will travel another 2,570 km, followed by a 4-hour flight to Hanoi, covering 2,765 km. The return trip from Hanoi to Moscow will take about 9 hours, covering 6,730 km.
Focus on Yakutia
The tour's first stop on June 18 is the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). President Putin had planned to visit this region earlier in the year but was delayed due to bad weather. During his January visit to several Far Eastern regions, the President noted his intention to visit Yakutia in the spring or summer under better weather conditions.
In March, Putin reaffirmed his plans to visit Yakutia, emphasizing the need to discuss the region's development plan and key issues with local leadership. The President instructed regional authorities to prepare and assured that government officials would address all significant concerns. During his visit, Putin will review regional achievements, particularly in the creative and IT sectors, and meet with Yakutia's head, Aisen Nikolaev. Additionally, he will engage with students from the V. A. Bosikov Higher School of Music.
The development of the Far East will be a central theme of Putin's visit. The Kremlin noted that the President will assess the implementation of programs such as "Zemsky Doctor," "Zemsky Teacher," and "Muravyov-Amursky - 2030." Meetings with program participants and cultural figures working in the Far East are also planned.
Visit to North Korea
Following his work in Yakutsk, Putin will continue to Pyongyang for a state visit to North Korea on June 18-19. This trip is a reciprocal visit, as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un invited Putin during his visit to Russia in September last year. Putin immediately accepted the invitation, but suitable conditions for the trip have only now been realized.
This will be Putin's second visit to North Korea, with the first taking place 24 years ago in July 2000, shortly after his presidential inauguration. During that visit, Putin met with then-leader Kim Jong-il and visited significant sites, including the mausoleum of North Korea's founder Kim Il-sung.
The upcoming visit's main day is June 19, featuring an official reception ceremony, introduction of delegations, and watching the honor guard. Putin and Kim Jong-un will hold extensive bilateral talks, including a significant private discussion, with delegation members joining as needed. The agenda also includes a formal concert, a state reception, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Liberation Monument. Before departing, both leaders will visit the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity.
Visit to Vietnam
Late on June 19, Putin will travel to Hanoi, where the state visit's activities are scheduled for June 20.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS