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Updated Apr 25, 2019 - World

Russia summit: North Korea's Kim Jong-un meets with Vladimir Putin

Rebecca Falconer
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for the first time.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Photo: Yuri Kadobnov/AFP/Getty Images

Russia's President Vladimir Putin told a news conference after his summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un Thursday he'd speak with President Trump about what they discussed, saying "there are no secrets."

Details: After Putin and Kim met for the first time on Russky Island, near the port city of Vladivostok, in Russia's far east, for the summit, Putin said Russia welcomes Pyongyang's efforts to normalize relations with South Korea and the United States, but he said North Korea needs security guarantees before it gives up its nuclear program.

The big picture: Putin called the talks "thorough," saying they committed to stronger ties and discussed "the situation on the Korean Peninsula." Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said earlier he hoped Russia would "consolidate the positive trends" stemming from President Trump’s meetings with Kim, AP reports. Kim's summit with Trump in Hannoi ended without a deal in February.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un (L) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin clink glasses during a reception after their meeting.
Kim and Putin clink glasses at a reception after their meeting. Photo: Valery Sharifulin/Tass via Getty Images
Kim presents a sword to Putin.
Kim presents a sword to Putin. Photo: Alexey Nikolsky/AFP/Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by officials, attend a reception following their talks.
Kim and Putin dine with officials at the reception. Photo: Alexey Nikolsky/AFP/Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and members of the delegations hold talks at the Far Eastern Federal University campus on Russky island.
Kim, Putin and members of their delegations hold talks at the Far Eastern Federal University campus on Russky Island. Photo: Alexei Nikolsky/AFP/Getty Images
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un (L) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin during a meeting at the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) on Russky Island.
Kim and Putin at the Far Eastern Federal University. Photo: Valery Melnikov/Tass via Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Far Eastern Federal University campus on Russky Island.
Kim and Putin at their press conference on Russky Island. Photo: Sergei Ilnitsky/AFP/Getty Images
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un and Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L-R front) during a meeting at the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) on Russky Island.
Kim and Putin at the university. Photo: Alexei Nikolsky/Tass via Getty Images
Kim's armored train.
Kim arrived in Vladivostok by armored train Tuesday. Photo by Yuri Smityuk/Tass via Getty Images
A welcoming ceremony for Kim.
A welcoming ceremony for Kim. Photo: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP/Getty Images
Kim's cortege by a railway station in Vladivostok during his visit to Russia.
Bodyguards outside Kim's car. Photo by Yuri Smityuk/Tass via Getty Images
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