SEOUL, July 19: In a significant development, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently held talks with a high-level Russian military delegation led by Deputy Defense Minister Alexey Krivoruchko. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the meeting focused on the importance of military cooperation between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Russian Federation to ensure mutual security interests.
The news agency also revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his warm greetings to Kim Jong Un through Krivoruchko, who then expressed deep thanks for it and asked him to extend his kindly greetings to the Russian President. In response, Kim underscored solidarity with Russia amid the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine and emphasized his support for the Russian Armed Forces, which he described as “waging a sacred war of justice for defending the sovereign rights and security of their state.
The North Korean leader also highlighted the significance of the previous meeting held between the two countries in June, stressing the need for the armies of the two nations to strengthen their ties based on their long-standing historical tradition. Kim emphasized the importance of these relations in leading DPRK-Russia relations in the new era and playing a crucial role in defending regional and global peace as well as international justice.
This meeting between Kim Jong Un and Russian military officials follows Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Pyongyang on June 18-19, which resulted in a treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership, an agreement on cooperation in the areas of medicine, medical education, and science, as well as an agreement on constructing a motor bridge across the Tuman River at the border between the two countries.
As the relationship between North Korea and Russia continues to grow, it is evident that both nations are looking for ways to enhance their mutual security interests while reinforcing regional peace and stability. The recent meeting between Kim Jong Un and the Russian military delegation marks another step in this direction, demonstrating a commitment from both countries to work together towards achieving these goals.