West Scared As Ibrahim Traore And Putin Revive Relations With Kim Jong Un

West Scared As Ibrahim Traore And Putin Revive Relations With Kim Jong Un

Before the rise of President Traore, Burkina Faso had suspended diplomatic relations with North Korea in 2017 to comply with the UN Security Council sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program, similar to the actions taken by many other countries at the time, effectively isolating North Korea.
However, in a move to distance itself further from the West after expelling France, the Traore administration announced plans to resume diplomatic ties with North Korea. This decision was announced by the then-Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivia Ruamba, who stated that the renewed cooperation between the two countries would allow for exemplary bilateral collaboration in various areas.
According to the minister, the governments of Burkina Faso and North Korea intend to focus their partnership on military equipment, mining, healthcare, agriculture, and research. To cement this renewed relationship, a new North Korean ambassador, Chae Hui Cho, was appointed to Burkina Faso.
Traore's decision to align Burkina Faso with North Korea, which is widely considered a threat by the West, has undoubtedly shocked the international community and reflects his resolute stance against Western allies. This move is reminiscent of the decisions made by Russian President Putin to strengthen ties with North Korea, which has also surprised and unsettled the West.
While Traore's decision to renew ties with North Korea has been seen as a surprising move against Western influence, Putin's actions in strengthening Russia's alliance with North Korea are considered even more serious. This is because Russia itself is viewed as an adversary of the West, and the notion of these two countries, both perceived as threats by the international community, forging a closer partnership is not just shocking but also concerning.
Recently, President Putin paid a visit to North Korea to meet with its leader, Kim Jong-un. Although this was Putin's first trip to North Korea in 24 years, the two countries have been steadily enhancing their relationship since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
There have been reports that North Korea has been providing Russia with weapons in exchange for technological expertise, though both nations have consistently denied such arms transfers. Upon his arrival in the North Korean capital, Putin was greeted with a warm welcome, with President Kim personally on hand to receive him.