Sergey Shoigu, the Russian defense minister, visited Pyongyang on Wednesday amid escalating regional tensions and gave North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a “warm letter” from President Vladimir Putin.
According to North Korean media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Thursday, Kim thanked Putin for his letter. The Russian official is in town to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the conclusion of the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953.
According to KCNA, Kim Jong-un and Shoigu discussed “further developing [of] traditional and strategic DPRK-Russia relations.” The Russian minister also went to the defense ministry of the host country’s show, where he examined “new-type weapons and equipment” made in that nation.
We must prioritize consistent military exchanges to promote harmony and security, which will ultimately help maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It’s important to continue fostering a productive partnership between our two countries, just as Shoigu and Kang Sun-Nam discussed in their meeting.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is a significant partner for Russia, with whom we have a similar border and a long history of cooperation, according to Defence Minister Shoigu.
Video of a roundtable discussion with officials, which the Russian minister claimed would “contribute to strengthening cooperation between our ministries of defense,” was also made available by the defense ministry.
Since the total border lockdown, the first confirmed foreign visitors to North Korea were delegations from Russia and China, who traveled to Pyongyang to participate in Korean War anniversary celebrations.
Shoigu expressed his gratitude to his Korean friends for the extensive program they had provided. I saw and appreciated your attentiveness right away. One of the few countries with which North Korea maintains cordial ties is Russia, a longtime ally.
Last year, North Korea’s foreign ministry claimed that despite the “hegemonic actions of the United States and its satellites,” relations with Russia had reached “new strategic heights.”
In response to Moscow’s special military operation against Ukraine, which started in February 2022, North Korea rejected US sanctions against Russia. Source