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Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

North Korean leader attends new rocket engine test — media

After the test, the North Korean leader said its results "became a great historic event, the birth of a national rocket industry"

© AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the ground jet test of a new high-thrust rocket engine, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported Sunday.

According to the report, Kim checked the technical specifications of the engine and preparations for the test and gave instructions before going up to the observation post to give the order for the test to begin.

Read also

Kremlin concerned over North Korea’s new missile launch

After the test, the North Korean leader said its results "became a great historic event, the birth of a national rocket industry, that will not depend on technologies developed in this field by other states," North Korea’s state KCNA news agency reported.

"The world will soon fully realize the importance of North Korea’s test of this powerful engine," Kim was quoted as saying.

North Korea’s leader also praised "the unprecedented progress made by the country’s defense industry" made last year and in early 2017.

The test, that took place at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, coincided with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s Asian tour that includes Japan, South Korea and China. North Korea’s nuclear and rocket threat will be one of the main issues to be discussed during the visit.

During his visit to Seoul, Tillerson admitted that Washington’s "strategic patience" policy toward Pyongyang was over. "We are exploring a new range of security and diplomatic measures. All options are on the table," he added.

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Situation on the Korean Peninsula

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Vehicles, equipment participating in Victory Day parade depart for Moscow — ministry

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Russia can join top three countries by lithium reserves — governor

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Lavrov describes Georgia’s bill on foreign agents as 'mildest of all'

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Ukraine convicts 12th world chess champion for recognizing Donetsk, Lugansk republics

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Switzerland does not suit Russia for negotiations on Ukraine — Lavrov

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Dmitry Peskov underscored that Moscow has already made its position clear on this matter

Final statement by G7 top diplomats to call for supplying more air defenses to Kiev

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Moscow-based embassies of NATO countries helped anti-government groups, Lavrov says

The top Russian diplomat also spoke about the detention in Germany of two people suspected of spying for Russia