/RUSSIA: Kim Jong-Un And Putin Plan To Meet In Russia To Discuss Weapons-NYT

The New York Times ran a source report noting that a North Korean delegation recently visited Russia to lay the groundwork for a potential visit of the country's leader Kim Jong-un later this month, during which he would meet with President Vladimir Putin to discuss further military cooperation and the supply of weapons to Russia.

• Officials told the NYT that "Mr Putin wants Mr Kim to send Russia artillery shells and antitank missiles, and Mr Kim would like Russia to provide North Korea with advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines. Mr Kim is also seeking food aid for his impoverished nation."
• The two leaders could meet during the Eastern Economic Forum between September 10 - 13 in Vladivostok, with Kim arriving by train from Pyongyang. This means that his visit would take place a day after the 75th anniversary of the founding of North Korea (September 9), which is expected to be celebrated with a military parade.
• This comes after the recent visit of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who attended a display of North Korean weapons, including ballistic missiles banned by UNSC resolutions. NYT sources suggested that Shoigu and Kim used that opportunity to discuss a possible top-level summit between Russia and North Korea.