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*North Korean Studies*Chongjin, December 28 (KCNA) -- The consulate general of the Russian Federation in Chongjin today arranged a reception on the occasion of the New Year Juche 91 (2002). Present on invitation were Hong Sok Hyong, chief secretary of the North Hamgyong Provincial Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and officials concerned. Consul general of Russia Arkadi Lavrov and staff members of the consulate general were on hand. Speeches were made at the reception.
Pyongyang, December 25 (KCNA) -- Andrei Karlov, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, yesterday arranged a friendly meeting at the embassy on the occasion of the New Year, Juche 91 (2002). Present on invitation were Paek Nam Sun, foreign minister, Kung Sok Ung, vice-minister of foreign affairs, and other officials concerned. Staff members of the Russian embassy were on hand. Speeches were made there.
Pyongyang, December 21 (KCNA) -- Andrei Karlov, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, held a friendship gathering at the embassy yesterday on the New Year Juche 91 (2002). Invited were vice-director Ji Jae Ryong and other officials of the international department of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. Members of the Russian embassy were present. Speeches were made. The participants talked to each other about further development of friendly relations between the two countries, deepening friendly feelings.
Moscow, December 17 (KCNA) -- A function on the subject of "Day of DPRK" was held in Russia on December 14 on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's election as supreme commander of the Korean People's Army. At the function a reporter and speakers said that Kim Jong Il has firmly defended Korean socialism with his army-centered policy despite the complicated international situation. The KPA commanded by him has become a guarantee for the sovereignty of the DPRK and eternal prosperity of Kim Il Sung's Korea, they said, and went on: The U.S. dare not provoke the DPRK where the army and people are closely united around him. We directly witness the DPRK vigorously and confidently advancing to build a powerful nation and build a friendly and cooperative world. Kim Jong Il opened a new chapter of the traditional Russia-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations through his historic Russia visit. Screened at the function was the Korean film "The Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il Pays an Official Visit to the Russian Federation."
Moscow, December 16 (KCNA) -- A book on leader Kim Jong Il's historic Russia visit was brought out in Russia. Printed in the book are his portrait, photos of him talking with President Putin, a photo of him signing the DPRK-Russia Moscow declaration and a photo of him laying a wreath before the Mausoleum of Lenin. Edited in the book are the full text of his answers to questions raised by Itar-Tass, his speech made at the reception hosted by Putin and the DPRK-Russia Moscow declaration. The editor-in-chief of the Pravda said at a ceremony for publishing the book held in Moscow on Dec. 13 that Kim Jong Il made a great contribution to the development of the friendly relations between Russia and the DPRK and global peace through his historic Russia visit.
The manager of the Sherbinskaya printing house said that their sincerity for printing the book came from the feelings of reverence for Kim Jong Il and that they are very happy to present the book to him. The book was handed to the DPRK ambassador to Russia. A letter to Kim Jong Il sent in the joint name of the editor-in-chief of the Pravda, the general director of the Pravda publishing house and the manager of the Sherbinskaya printing house, was read out at the ceremony. The participants appreciated Korean films "the great leader comrade Kim Jong Il's official visit to the Russian Federation" and "the great leader comrade Kim Jong Il's unofficial visit and stay in cities of the Russian Federation."
Joongang Ilbo reported that the DPRK and Russia had another round of joint military committee talks from December 1-8 in Pyongyang. Choi Young-ha, a former military officer at the ROK defense ministry, stated, "The two sides may have discussed the details of North Korea's production of MIG-29 fighter jets along with other weaponry purchase." Russia notified the ROK before its series of military talks with the DPRK, pledging that it would not sell any state-of-the-art weaponry that might disrupt the military balance of the region. (Choi Won-ki, "NORTH KOREA AND RUSSIA MAY BE LAYING GROUNDS FOR MIG-29 PRODUCTION," Seoul, 12/11/01)
Joongang Ilbo reported that the ROK should make effective use of the DPRK- Russia relations to induce the DPRK to join in international efforts to fight against terrorism, said the new analysis from Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security Sunday. "The September 11 incident and the US-led anti-terror movements have caused the DPRK to feel threatened," Prof. Goh Jae-nam of the institute said. "Because Russia is participating in anti-terror efforts we may be able to persuade the DPRK to join in the latest international trend as well," he said. ("MAKE BETTER USE OF DPRK-RUSSIA RELATIONS, SAYS ANALYSIS," Seoul, 12/09/01)
Gennadiy Charodeyev of Izvestia reported that DPRK leader Kim Jong-il held a first-time official dinner with RF Ambassador to the DPRK Andrey Karlov and seven or eight other invited RF diplomats. According to "a mutual gentlemanly agreement," the details of the several-hours talks and toasts at the dinner are being kept secret. ROK newspapers could only speculate that Karlov was invited to further demonstrate the improvement in DPRK-RF relations since Kim's visit to the RF last summer. The DPRK party was represented by the Chief of the DPRK General Staff, the First Deputy Foreign Minister, and several generals, party and state officials. ("A MYSTERIOUS DINNER," Moscow, 12/08/01)
Rossiyskaya Gazeta 's Nikolai Sidorenko reported that a conference took place in Seoul of infrastructure related ministers of the Asia Pacific region. RF Deputy Railways Minister Aleksandr Tselko attended the conference. The East-West transportation corridor project with the Trans-Siberian Main Railway as its major link was discussed. Tselko said that at present the Trans-Sib worked at half of its capacity, whereas with additional infrastructure development it might be able to transit a far more cargo. The Seoul conference supported the project. The RF, PRC, ROK and Mongolia signed a memorandum of intentions providing for the creation of a special committee to develop the project. The future superway is expected to have 5 sea terminals including Pusan in ROK, Tianzing in PRC, Vostochniy in RF and a seaport in the DPRK. ("A FASTER TRAVEL MEANS MORE RICHES, Moscow, 11/22/01)
Joongang Ilbo reported that an informed source in Seoul said on Friday that a Russian military delegation will visit the DPRK on Saturday for a four-day stay to discuss bilateral defense industry cooperation. "The scale of the delegation is not known but they are believed to be coming for the second working-level military technology cooperation meeting," the source said. Chairman Kim Jong-il during the Moscow summit is known to have expressed the desire to purchase short-term air-defense system that cover S-300 ground-to-air missile and brand new T-90 tanks from his Russian counterpart President Vladimir Putin. He also bared hopes to establish an MIG-27 fighter jet-assembling factory in the DPRK. ("RUSSIA TO SEND MILITARY DELEGATION TO NORTH," Seoul, 11/30/01)
Pyongyang, November 16 (KCNA) -- Gifts leader Kim Jong Il received during his historic visit to the Russian Federation were displayed at the International Friendship Exhibition. He received precious gifts from President V.V. Putin and Russian people in different parts of Russia during his visit from July 26 to August 18. On display in the exhibition hall are some of the 300 gifts Kim Jong Il received from President Putin, chief delegates of the president to the federal districts, ministries and their officials, administrators of regions and cities he stayed or passed and Russian people.
Pyongyang, November 7 (KCNA) -- An art performance was given by the song and dance ensemble of the Ministry of People's Security of the DPRK at the Russian embassy yesterday on the invitation extended by the Russian ambassador here as regards chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission Kim Jong Il's fruitful visit to the Russian Federation. The artistes put on the stage several songs depicting the noble feelings of the people's army and people of Korea ardently worshipping their leader. They included mixed chorus "Soldiers Sing of Their Supreme Commander," Female Guitar Ensemble "His Life" and female trio "A Hero Soldier and Girls in His Native Place." Also put on the stage were Russian songs including female guitar ensemble "Who Knows," male guitar quartet "Song of Partisan in the Maritime Province" and female solo "Ryabinushka of Ural." Seeing the performance were first vice-minister of foreign affairs Kang Sok Ju, officials concerned and Russian ambassador Andrei Karlov, embassy officials and their families. A cocktail was given at the end of the performance.
Pyongyang, November 6 (KCNA) -- Igor Ryapin, first secretary of the Russian Union of Writers, wrote a poem "Comrade Kim Jong Il Comes." He in the poem says: Today leader Kim Jong Il follows the footmarks of friendship left by President Kim Il Sung in the vast land of Russia and the friendship between the two peoples will be ever-lasting.
Pyongyang, November 5 (KCNA) -- Ri Chol Gwang was appointed as DPRK ambassador to Uzbekistan, according to a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK.
Moskovskaya Pravda reported that a DPRK delegation of specialists in the field of municipal services and urban construction visited Moscow. It was led by DPRK Deputy Minister for Control over State Construction Kim Chor-jae. The purpose was to study the experiences of the RF capital city in those spheres. Kim said, "We want to make a contribution to the strengthening of relations between DPRK and Russia in development of Moscow agreements between the leaders of our states Kim Jong-il and Vladimir Putin." During the meeting with First Deputy Mayor in the Moscow Government, Head of Moscow Building Sector V. Resin, an exchange of opinions took place about a possible cooperation between the DPRK and Russia in the construction sector. ("EXPERIENCE EXCHANGE", Moscow, 10/11/01)
Zavtra published a one-page article "about the life and the people of Pyongyang". The article contained much information about DPRK geographic and demographic situation, general Korean traditions of culture, literacy and cuisine, black and grey colour semi-military dress preferences in DPRK, although "each Korean woman has got a bright national dress kept at home to wear on holidays." The article said Mercedes, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep and Opel cars predominate in Pyongyang streets, while Soviet-made Volga and Zhiguli cars are few. The author himself was driven around the city in "a red-brown Mercedes car."
Much was said about the Korean War, and "generally speaking the war against America is not over", as " USA does not let Korea to unite." The functionaries of Korea's Working Party "are drastically different" from the functionaries of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union of the era of decay". As for the army, "the DPRK society is rather militarised", with the military managing the whole construction sites and industries." As for DPRK people's attitude toward visiting foreigners, the article said "the best attitude is toward the Chinese and the Russians." However, due to RF unilateral decrease of relations, "Russians have become an exotic thing here, while the Chinese influence is obviously on the rise... The Europeans are coming to take the place of Russia." (Aleksandr Brezhnev, "KOREA THE RED. A CITY OF YOUTH", Pyongyang, November 2001, #46)
Pyongyang, November 5 (KCNA) -- Ri Chol Gwang was appointed as DPRK ambassador to Uzbekistan, according to a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK.
Joongang Ilbo reported that Russia is to supply the DPRK with its surplus power produced within its nation. The two nations agreed to look carefully into the issue Tuesday and sort out the details of the quantity, price and the paying procedures at the next bilateral working-level talks slated for next month in Vladivostock, Russia. Sources said that Russia might seek barter trade given the DPRK's present circumstances seriously lacking in foreign currency. Prior to the talks Russia also proposed the establishment of an electricity network stretched from its border city of Hasan all the way to the DPRK. ("RUSSIA TO SUPPLY ELECTRICITY TO N.K. - BUT NOT FOR FREE," Seoul, 10/31/01)
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Oct. 19 on the occasion of the National Day of Kazakhstan. He in the message extended warm congratulations to the president, government and people of Kazakhstan. Wishing him and his people greater success in their work for stability and prosperity of the country and the welfare of the people, he expressed belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would steadily develop on good terms in the new century, too.
DPRK foreign minister Paek Nam Sun sent a message of greetings to his Kazakh counterpart Yerlan Idrisov on the occasion of the National Day of Kazakhstan. Expressing belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would grow stronger in the mutual interests of the two peoples, he wished the Kazakh foreign minister success in his work.
Moscow, October 22 (KCNA) -- The Russian newspaper Patriot office published a book "Great Brilliant Commander Kim Jong Il" on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's election as General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and the 56th anniversary of the WPK. Hero of the former Soviet Union Nikolai Lashenko wrote the book. The book, a serial of the book "Great Man Kim Jong Il", consists of four chapters and 17 sections (chapter 1 'commander of Mt. Paektu,' chapter 2 'great master of military affairs,' chapter 3 'outstanding strategist' and chapter 4 'father of soldiers'). It deals with the distinguished trait of Kim Jong Il as a great brilliant commander who is leading the cause of socialism to victory with his army-first politics.
Pyongyang, October 23 (KCNA) -- Russian ambassador to the DPRK Andrei Karlov and embassy officials visited the DPRK-Russia friendship Kochang Co-Op Farm in Chollima district, Nampho, yesterday to help it in harvesting. They carried sheaves of rice together with farmers. During a break they talked with each other and sang songs, deepening the feelings of the DPRK-Russia friendship. The guests handed the farm aid materials prepared by them.
Pyongyang, October 20 (KCNA) -- Seminars were held in Russia, Tajikistan and India on the occasions of the 4th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's election as General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, the 56th anniversary of the WPK and the 75th anniversary of the Down-With-Imperialism Union. Vladimir Markov, secretary of the central committee of the Communists Union of Russia, in a report at the seminar held in Moscow on Oct. 8 said that President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il gave perfect answers to all theoretical and practical questions arising in party building and activities guided by the Juche idea and wisely led the WPK.
It is of special significance for the Russian communists to learn from their experience in party building and work, he said. Aleksandr Kovalov, chairman of the Russian Federation of ethologists in the present world, noted the WPK's experience shows that when a party takes deep roots among party members and other popular masses and ideologically awakens them, it can overcome any trials and emerge victorious. Alexandr Drovan, Doctor of Philosophy at Moscow University, said that the new century, the 21st century, would shine as a century of Kim Jong Il.
The chairman of the Tajik National Committee for the Study of the Juche Idea named after general Kim Jong Il in his report at the seminar said that Kim Jong Il has led the Korean people along the road of victory and glory with his seasoned and tested leadership to build a powerful socialist state, independent in politics, self-supporting in the economy and self-reliant in national defence.
Moscow, October 15 (KCNA) -- Russian figures said that as the Workers' Party of Korea, which inherited the tradition of the "Down-With-Imperialism Union" (DIU), has built socialism, guided by the Juche idea founded by President Kim Il Sung, the Korean cause of socialism is advancing along the road of victory without any vicissitude. They said this at a meeting held on Oct. 11 under the sponsorship of the Moscow Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation to mark the 4th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's election as General Secretary of the WPK, the 56th anniversary of the WPK and the 75th anniversary of the DIU.
Alexandr Kubayev, first secretary of the Moscow Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Markov, secretary of the central committee of the Communists Union of Russia, made speeches at the meeting. They said that the Juche idea helps accomplish the cause of socialism against flunkeyism and dogmatism and that it is urgent for Russia to learn the Juche idea which helps maintain an independent stand. They sincerely hoped that the Korean people would defend socialism to the last and achieve national reunification at any cost under the leadership of the WPK with Kim Jong Il as its head.
Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- A seminar on the subject of "Workers' Party of Korea is banner of Korean people's victory" was held on Oct. 2 by the party for peace and unity of Russia on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the WPK. S. Umalatova, chairwoman of the party, in a speech said that the WPK always sets forth line and policies in conformity with the desire and demands of the people in the socialist revolution and construction and encourages popular masses to implement them and solve all problems arising in the process. The Korean people led by the wpk are demonstrating the might of the single-hearted unity of the whole society, solid independent national economy and powerful military force, she emphasized.
Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Geidar Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, on Oct. 15 on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of its National Day. It extended sincere congratulations and salute to the president and, through him, to the government and people of Azerbaijan on this occasion and wished the president and people of Azerbaijan greater success in their work for peace and stability of the country and well-being of the people. It expressed belief that the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries would further develop in the interests of the two peoples in the new century.
DPRK foreign minister Paek Nam Sun sent a message of greetings to Vilayat Mukhtar Ogly Gulyev, foreign minister of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of its National Day. Expressing belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries will grow stronger in different fields, the message wished him success in his work.
Pyongyang, October 16 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Sun, secretary of the C.C., the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, met and had a talk with Andrei Karlov, new Russian ambassador e.p. to the DPRK, who paid a courtesy call on him at the People's Palace of Culture yesterday. Present there were An Kyong Ho, director of the secretariat of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, and Yuri Bochkaryov, counsellor of the Russian embassy here.
Pyongyang, October 16 (KCNA) -- Yon Hyong Muk, member of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, Kim Kuk Thae and Jong Ha Chol, secretaries of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Choe Chil Nam, editor-in-chief of the Rodong Sinmun , and Ji Jae Ryong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the WPK, yesterday met and conversed in a friendly atmosphere with Andrei Karlov, new Russian ambassador to the DPRK who paid a courtesy call on them. Present there were officials concerned and staff members of the Russian embassy here.
Chongjin, October 12 (KCNA) -- A reception was given at the Russian consulate general in Chongjin Friday evening on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the DPRK and Russia. Invited there were Pak Su Gil, chairman of the North Hamgyong Provincial People's Committee, and other officials concerned.Present there were Arkadi Labrov, consul general of the Russian Federation in Chongjin, and staff members of the consulate general. Speeches were made at the reception.
Pyongyang, October 12 (KCNA) -- Russian ambassador to the DPRK Andrei Karlov gave a reception yesterday on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and Russia. The ambassador said in his speech that the historic Moscow meetings and talks between President Putin and chairman of the National Defence Commission Kim Jong Il are important political events and that the agreements reached at the meetings and talks are the foundation which coordinates the effective cooperation based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit between the Russian Federation and the DPRK and close joint activities in the international arena.
The development of the Russia-DPRK relations entirely conforms with the interests of the two peoples and is beneficial to promoting peace and security in the Korean peninsula and northeast Asia, he said, and went on: The two countries are dead set against the U.S. attempt to modify the 1972 anti-ballistic missile treaty and destroy the process of strategic arms reduction. The Russian people are deeply moved to see the tenacious and devoted Korean people building a powerful nation, overcoming the difficulties under the energetic leadership of Kim Jong Il. Russia sincerely wishes for the prosperity of the Korean people and peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. Korea should be reunified peacefully by the Korean people themselves without the interference of foreign forces.
Foreign minister Paek Nam Sun said in his address that the DPRK-Russia relations are being developed onto a higher stage by the deep concern of the two supreme leaders and the joint efforts of the two countries. Kim Jong Il's visit to Russia some time ago was a historic event which further deepened the intimate relations between the two leaders and boosted from a new angle the traditional DPRK-Russia relations of friendship, he said.
He said that the cooperation between the two countries is growing in depth in the economic fields including railways, science, culture and city management in accordance with the agreements reached at the summit meetings and talks, the joint declaration and the new state-to-state treaty. Noting that the Russian people have made positive efforts to achieve the political and economic stability and prosperity of the country, prevent despotism, arbitrariness and terrorism in the international arena and establish a fair international order, peace and security under the leadership of President Putin, he sincerely wished the Russian leadership and people great success in their efforts.
Pyongyang, October 11 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Chun, chief of the general staff of the Korean People's Army, met and had a talk with newly appointed Russian ambassador e.p. to the DPRK Andrei Karlov who paid a courtesy call on him today. Present there were generals and officers of the KPA and the military attache of the Russian embassy here.
Pyongyang, October 9 (KCNA) -- Premier of the DPRK cabinet Hong Song Nam and vice-president of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK Yang Hyong Sop today respectively met and conversed with new Russian ambassador e. p. to the DPRK Andrei Karlov who paid a courtesy call on them at the Mansudae Assembly Hall.
pyongyang, October 6 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, yesterday sent a message of sympathy to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, in connection with the crash of an airliner in Russia that claimed many human lives. Kim Yong Nam in the message said that upon hearing this tragic news, he expressed profound condolences to the president and, through him, to the Russian government and people and the bereaved families of the victims. The message expressed sincere hope that the president would overcome this sorrow and achieve success in his responsible work to achieve the stability and prosperity of the country and peace.
Pyongyang, October 6 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il, Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, on October 4 sent a message of greetings to Russian President Putin on his 49th birthday. Extending warm congratulations to Putin on his birthday, Kim Jong Il said that Russia is actively pushing forward the work to increase the country's defense capability and achieve the political stability and economic progress under his leadership. The DPRK-Russia friendly relations with a long history and tradition were given a new definition and an opportunity to develop more viably by our recent meeting, he noted. He expressed conviction that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would grow in scope and strength on the basis of the results of the Moscow meeting. He sincerely wished him success in his work to build powerful Russia and good health and happiness.
Pyongyang, October 4 (KCNA) -- Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, met and conversed with newly appointed Russian ambassador to the DPRK Andrei Karlov, who paid a courtesy call on him, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today. Present there were generals and officers of the Korean People's Army and the military attache of the Russian embassy here. Foreign minister Paek Nam Sun also met and conversed with Andrei Karlov who paid a courtesy call on him.
Pyongyang, October 3 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il's answers to questions put by the Itar-Tass were brought out in booklet by the Paleya-Mishin Publishing House of Russia on Sept. 27. Kim Jong Il's work was published on July 24, Juche 90 (2001). Elucidated in the work are the issues of the DPRK-Russia ties, the prospect of developing them and the establishment of the U.S. Missile Defence System and the DPRK stance toward its ties with the U.S. and Japan.
В КНДР на относительно небольшой территории расположены значительные ресурсы разнообразных полезных ископаемых - угля, железной, медной, свинцово-цинковой, вольфрамовой и молибденовой руд, есть залежи бокситов, магнезитов, урана, графита. Из природных ресурсов в республике нет промышленных месторождений нефти и газа. Однако в последние годы появились обнадеживающие сообщения о возможном присутствии углеводородного сырья на континентальном шельфе Желтого моря... (in Russian)
03 August 2001. South Korea is taking one of the first concrete steps toward implementing a long-discussed rail link between East Asia and Europe. The Korean railroad administration recently began developing special cold-tolerant train cars that would be able to travel throughout the Koreas, China, Europe and Russia. With the prospects of a trans-Eurasian rail line growing brighter, both Moscow and Beijing will increase economic and political ties with Seoul and Pyongyang. South Korea's national railroad administration has begun developing train cars for operation along the Trans Siberian Railroad, which links Russia's Pacific coast with Europe. It will design the cars to tolerate the extreme cold along the Russian rail system. The new cars also will have adjustable wheels so they can travel along Russia's wider rails as well as standard-width rails in Korea, China and Europe.
KORAIL's new cars mark one of the first concrete steps toward the long-discussed proposal to develop a land-based shipping route between East Asia and Europe. Russia and China, competing hosts of the trans-continental rail system, have been lobbying European and East Asian nations in order to garner interest in the project. The project would, in turn, help increase foreign investments in their own infrastructure developments. With South Korea making solid preparations to use the trans-continental rail system within the next three years, Moscow and Beijing will rapidly increase political and economic relations with Seoul-both directly and via Pyongyang. With Seoul's demonstration of commitment to a Eurasian railway, a revitalized Trans Siberian Railroad and South Korean President Kim Dae Jung's "Iron Silk Road" are a step closer to reality. According to some Russian estimates, major exporters-such as South Korean electronics giants Samsung and Hynix-could see shipping costs between Europe and Asia slashed as much as 50 percent and transport times reduced by 20 percent to 50 percent.
Rail transportation from East Asia to Europe offers several advantages. Goods shipped between Korea and Europe currently go by ship through the Suez Canal, a process that takes 35 to 45 days. Shipping the same products, including electronics and clothing, by rail instead would shave 10 to 12 days off transport times, according to Russian estimates. The ensuing cost savings would be considerable. Shipping by rail would reduce tariffs per container by $200 to $400. Moscow claims the TSR could handle a third of Korea's current 300,000 containers of cargo in the first year of operations, allowing Seoul to save as much as $40 million. By 2005, Moscow expects the system to be capable of handling between 500,000 to 600,000 containers per year. In addition to the savings, North Korea stands to gain $100 million a year in tariffs for allowing the trans-shipment of goods through its territory. The idea of opening significant land-based trade routes between Asia and Europe is not new, but it has received increased attention lately. In recent years, Moscow has sought to revitalize the TSR both to economically stimulate its neglected eastern regions and to enhance regional security.
China too has billed itself as a viable land transportation route between Asia and Europe-partly to stimulate economic growth in its underdeveloped western provinces to reduce domestic tensions stemming from economic disparities. Beijing and Moscow's plans got an added boost in 2000, when Seoul and Pyongyang agreed to re-link rail lines severed during the Korean War. In September, South Korea began work on reconnecting a line running from Seoul to Pyongyang and on to Sinuiju on the Chinese border. Without that link, both South Korea and Japan still would have needed to ferry their goods by ship to Russian ports in Vladivostok and Nachodka before transferring to rail cars for the 6,000-mile trip to Moscow.
Russia, which formerly focused on raising Japanese interest in a Eurasian rail line-without much success-now sees new possibilities in an inter-Korean rail link. During a visit to South Korea in February 2001, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow already has spent nearly $1 billion in recent years to upgrade the TSR. Putin also indicated Russia was willing to foot a significant portion of the estimated $200 million to $1 billion needed to renovate and maintain North Korea's decaying rail system. China, too, has stepped up contact with Seoul and Pyongyang regarding future rail links. Beijing and Seoul have discussed supplying Chinese coal, too costly for import by ship, to South Korea by rail. In addition, Beijing has tried to woo Pyongyang by showing visiting leader Kim Jong Il the potential benefits of economic contacts with other nations during a tour of Shanghai.
Both Moscow and Beijing want to capitalize on South Korea's rail investments. If the South Koreans use the Chinese route to Europe, Beijing offers influence in dealing with Pyongyang and potentially lucrative infrastructure contracts and market opportunities. On the other hand, Moscow offers the maintenance of North Korea's rail lines and access to raw materials and manufacturing locations in the Far East. Such contact-and perhaps even competition-for Seoul's interest will only increase now that South Korea is developing the rail cars for the cross-continental rail system. Increasing contact with Moscow and Beijing will benefit Seoul as well as Pyongyang, which can both hold out for the best deals from their suitors. Also, the added attention to the importance of the inter-Korean rail links may well kick-start the stalled inter-Korean reconciliation process.
The Korea Herald reported that according a Voice of Russia broadcast, Andrey Karlov will be the new Russian ambassador to the DPRK. Karlov arrived in Pyongyang on September 21 and has already assumed his post. He will replace Valeri Denisov. The 47-year-old diplomat graduated from Moscow University and has worked at the Foreign Ministry since and is fluent in Korean. ("RUSSIA NAMES NEW ENVOY TO P'YANG," Seoul, 09/26/01)
Pyongyang, September 11 (KCNA) -- A meeting was held in Moscow on September 5 under the sponsorship of the council of the Union of Communist Parties-the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the Russian Association for Friendship and Cultural Cooperation with the DPRK to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the foundation of the DPRK. Speeches were made at the meeting.
The chairman of the council of the Union of Communist Parties-the Communist Party of the Soviet Union said that the DPRK founded by President Kim Il Sung has been converted into the most powerful and greatest socialist country under his wise leadership.
Leader Kim Jong Il, carrying forward the cause of the president, has enhanced the international prestige of the DPRK and made epoch-making achievements in the cause of national reunification, the chairman said, and went on: The Russia-DPRK Moscow declaration he adopted with the Russian leader constitutes a foundation to develop cooperative relations between the two peoples in all fields.
The vice-chairman of the Russian Association for Friendship and Cultural Cooperation with the DPRK sincerely wished the Korean people greater success in their efforts to speed up the building of the socialist economy, national defence and culture under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il.
Leader Kim Jong Il was presented with a gift by the chairwoman of the Party for Peace and Unity of Russia (PPUR). It was conveyed to Choe Thae Bok, secretary of the c.c., the Workers' Party of Korea, by Sazhi Umalatova, chairwoman of the PPUR, on a visit to the DPRK.
Moscow, September 10 (KCNA) - A joint seminar of the Russian Juche idea study groups was held in Moscow on September 7 on the occasion of leader Kim Jong Il's visit to Russia and the 53rd anniversary of the DPRK. It was noted at the seminar that in recent years the DPRK has defended its national sovereignty and achieved one great success after another in the international arena despite the vicious anti-DPRK and anti-socialist maneuvers of the United States-led imperialists and it is entirely attributable to the wise guidance of Kim Jong Il and the unbreakable unity of all the people around him.
It was also stressed that the adoption of the historic Russia-DPRK Moscow declaration convinced all the state leaders and public circles that without Kim Jong Il international security and peace would have been unthinkable. A letter to Kim Jong Il was adopted at the seminar.
Pyongyang, September 10 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il, Chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, Sunday received a message of greetings from V. Putin, President of the Russian Federation, on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the DPRK. Extending the sincerest congratulations to Kim Jong Il on the 53rd anniversary of the DPRK, the message said: It is with warm feelings that I recollect my recent meetings with you in Moscow. These meetings will doubtlessly contribute to boosting the traditional friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. The results of the recent talks make me very optimistically appreciate the fact that the cooperation between the two countries has the prospect of further developing in international affairs including the north-south dialogue in the spirit of the Moscow declaration signed by us. I wish you good health and success in your activities for the wellbeing of your country and the Korean people, a close neighbour, peace and happiness.
Pyongyang, September 10 (KCNA) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry in a press release expressed the expectation that the 5th inter-Korean ministerial talks would gain success, according to Itar-Tass on September 7. The Russian side has invariably held that the issue of Korea's reunification should be coordinated independently and peacefully by the efforts of the Korean nation itself and consistently supported the continued dialogue between the DPRK and South Korea free from outside interference, the release said, and pointed out: The position of Russia was reflected again in the Moscow declaration between the Russian Federation and the DPRK on the results of the talks between President Putin and leader Kim Jong Il held in August this year. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed expectation that the inter-Korean ministerial talks would reach a constructive agreement in conformity with the interests of all the Korean people, peace and security in the northeast Asia and the many-sided economic cooperation in the region.