A U.S. expert on Korean Peninsula affairs says North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s visit to Russia is aimed at asking for assistance needed to prepare for a major event in the communist nation.

Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Victor Cha said that the reclusive North Korean leader plans to request financial and material support to prepare for the 100th anniversary of the birth of North Korea’s founder Kim Il-sung next year.

Cha said the reason Kim visited China frequently in recent months was for the same reason. He said Kim apparently decided to visit Russia because he did not get the amount of assistance that he wanted from China.

Mansfield Foundation Executive Director Gordon Flake also said the purpose of Kim’s visit to Russia is to gather further assistance and support.