During discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his unequivocal backing for Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine, according to reports from Pyongyang state media on Sunday.
Lavrov’s recent visit to North Korea marks yet another significant trip by senior officials from Moscow, highlighting the strengthening military and political connections between the two nations in the context of Russia’s ongoing offensive against Kyiv.
In a significant military manoeuvre, Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to the Kursk region of Russia, aiming to assist in the expulsion of Ukrainian forces. Additionally, North Korea has supplied the Russian military with artillery shells and missiles, further solidifying their alliance in the ongoing conflict.
On Saturday, Kim and Lavrov convened, as reported by North Korea’s official KCNA news agency, in what was described as “an atmosphere full of warm comradely trust.”
A video shared by Russia’s foreign ministry on Telegram captures the moment two men shake hands and embrace in greeting.
The discussions took place in Wonsan, a city located on North Korea’s eastern coastline, where a large resort was inaugurated earlier this month, marking one of the leader Kim’s favoured initiatives.
According to KCNA, Kim informed Lavrov that Pyongyang is “ready to unconditionally support and encourage all the measures taken by the Russian leadership as regards the tackling of the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis.”
The leader of North Korea articulated a firm conviction that the Russian military and its citizens would undoubtedly achieve success in their mission to uphold the dignity and fundamental interests of their nation.
The report highlighted his praise for Putin’s “outstanding leadership.”
According to KCNA, the two men engaged in discussions regarding “important matters for faithfully implementing the agreements made at the historic DPRK-Russia summit talks in June 2024,” using North Korea’s official designation.
According to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS, Lavrov conveyed to Kim that Putin “hopes for continued direct contacts in the very near future.”
According to a report from Russia’s TASS news agency on its Telegram account, he departed from Pyongyang and arrived in Beijing on Sunday to participate in a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers’ Council.
Invincible alliance
In a move preceding Lavrov’s latest visit, Russia declared the initiation of bi-weekly flights connecting Moscow and Pyongyang.
Lavrov praised Wonsan as “a good tourist attraction,” expressing hope that it will gain popularity not only among residents but also among Russians.
On Sunday, KCNA released a statement regarding the meeting that took place a day earlier between Lavrov and his North Korean counterpart, Choe Son Hui, in the coastal city. The statement emphasised that the bilateral ties were evolving into an “invincible alliance.”
Moscow conveyed its strong backing for the DPRK in its legitimate endeavours to safeguard state security, according to KCNA’s report on the meeting.
Choe expressed complete sympathy and backing for the actions implemented by the Russian government aimed at addressing the underlying issues of the Ukrainian conflict.
According to a report from TASS, Lavrov expressed gratitude towards the “heroic” North Korean soldiers who have been sent to assist Russia during the recent ministerial meeting.
According to reports from Seoul, approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives, with thousands more sustaining injuries while fighting on behalf of Russia.
In April, North Korea officially acknowledged the deployment of troops to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict, revealing that some of its soldiers had lost their lives in combat.
According to Russia’s foreign ministry, both parties “emphasised their determination to jointly counter the hegemonic aspirations of extra-regional players, which are leading to escalating tensions in Northeast Asia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.”
Last year, amid significant sanctions, the two nations formalised a military agreement that features a mutual defence clause. This development occurred during an uncommon visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang.
