North Korea’s Kim visits arms factories amid criticism over trade with Russia

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited arms factories this week, state media outlet Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Wednesday (Jan 10) as the United States and its partners condemned the country’s arms transfers with Russia.

Kim also highlighted recent “shortcomings” in the organisation of munitions production and called for readjustment while emphasising the “strategic importance of the production of major weapons”, state media said.

KCNA photos of Kim’s visit to a munitions factory showed him inspecting mobile short-range missile launch vehicles.

His visit comes as nearly 50 countries condemned Russia’s procurement and use of North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine.

“Russia’s use of DPRK ballistic missiles in Ukraine also provides valuable technical and military insights to the DPRK,” the joint statement said on Tuesday, using the initials of North Korea’s official name.