Moscow
The Eastern Economic Forum, set to take place in Vladivostok, Russia, from September 10–13, is expected to attract global attention due to the possibility of North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un attending.
Despite this, neither Russia nor North Korea have officially announced Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia. Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the forum via video conferencing, and in 2019, Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin participated together.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will be present in Vladivostok from September 11–12, addressing the forum on Tuesday. The Vice President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) will also be present. The forum will feature bilateral meetings with foreign delegations. Reports suggest Kim Jong Un may visit Russia in his armoured train and meet Putin.
Approximately 7,000 people are expected to attend the forum, including representatives from 50 countries, including India. President Putin’s economic advisor, Maksim Oreshkin, highlighted the benefits of Western sanctions on Russian companies and brands, while Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov claimed significant increases in oil and gas exports.
The forum was initiated by President Putin in 2015 to develop the Far East region of Russia and provide a platform for global investors to capitalize on the region’s opportunities.
