World

Talks between Putin and Kim begin at Russian space center

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived at the Vostochny Cosmodrome on Wednesday, nestled among the forests of eastern Russia not far from the Chinese border, by train after crossing into Russia early on Tuesday.

Responding to a question about whether he and Kim would discuss military matters, Russian President Vladimir Putin said they would discuss all issues. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is attending the talks.

Russian media said Putin showed Kim around the building where Russia’s new space booster, the Angara, is assembled. The 42.7-metre rocket launches payloads into low Earth orbit.

The United States has accused North Korea of providing arms to Russia, but it is unclear whether any deliveries have been made. Both Russia and North Korea have denied those claims but promised to deepen defense cooperation.