- North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, conveying greetings from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
- Choe and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held their third strategic dialogue in Moscow on Monday, where they discussed high-level visits and plans for cooperation.
- Both sides reached a consensus on all issues discussed, agreeing to deepen ties and express mutual support for each other's policies.
- Russia expressed full support for North Korean measures to counter what KCNA described as hostile acts threatening its position and right to development.
- In return, North Korea expressed its 'invariable support' for Russian policies aimed at eliminating the 'root cause' of the conflict in Ukraine.
- Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has entered into an unprecedented military partnership with Moscow, supplying large quantities of ammunition and artillery shells.
- Under the countries' defence pact, North Korea sent an estimated 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces in Kursk.
- Analysts are observing for signs that Choe's visit could pave the way for another trip to Russia by Kim, who last travelled there for a summit with Putin in 2023.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held their third strategic dialogue in Moscow, where they reached a consensus on enhancing their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed in June 2024. The discussions included plans for high-level visits and diplomatic coordination on major international issues.2345
Russia expressed full support for North Korea's measures against what KCNA termed hostile acts threatening its development and sovereignty. In return, North Korea pledged invariable support for Russian policies aimed at addressing the root cause of the conflict in Ukraine, defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Kremlin noted that Choe conveyed greetings from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a meeting with Putin. Analysts speculate that Choe's visit may pave the way for another trip by Kim, who last visited Russia for a summit in 2023. Putin had previously invited Kim to return during their June 2024 summit in Pyongyang.1
Under their defense pact, North Korea has sent an estimated 14,000 soldiers to support Russian forces in Kursk, with reports indicating that North Korean troops have played a role in repelling Ukrainian incursions since the start of the conflict.7
The two sides also discussed plans for cooperation and coordination on international issues, emphasizing their commitment to mutual security support.
“The two sides reached a consensus on all discussed issues, focusing on implementing their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed in June 2024. Separately, South Korea's intelligence agency estimates that North Korea has deployed up to 15,000 troops to support Russia, with at least 2,000 killed.”
