Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has reportedly met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a visit to North Korea.
According to Russian media outlet Sputnik News, they discussed a wide range of topics concerning both North Korea-Russia relations and international matters.
In a statement, the Russian Security Council described the meeting as conducted in a highly reliable and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the agreements made during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to North Korea in June.
The council further emphasized that the meeting will significantly advance the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between the two nations earlier this year.
Sergei Shoigu, who previously served as Russia’s defense minister, met with Kim Jong-un in Vladivostok last September to discuss strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
Shoigu’s visit to North Korea comes amid Western deliberations over whether to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with missiles.
President Putin had warned the day before that lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons would mean direct involvement in the conflict, effectively putting the West in direct confrontation with Russia.
The West has criticized the growing ties between North Korea and Russia, accusing Pyongyang of supplying ammunition and missiles to Moscow for use in its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
While both Russia and North Korea deny allegations of weapons transactions, they have openly strengthened cooperation in various areas, including military, since the onset of the special military operation.
Given these developments, there is speculation that Shoigu’s visit to North Korea may have included discussions on military and security cooperation as tensions with the West escalate. Western officials also express concern not only about North Korea supplying weapons to Russia but also about the possibility of Russia transferring advanced military technology to North Korea.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) indicated earlier in the day that it is closely monitoring the potential visit of North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui to Russia.
Should Choe’s visit take place, it would mark her first trip to Russia in about eight months, following her meeting with President Putin in January. During that meeting, President Putin expressed his desire to further develop relations with North Korea across all sectors.
Choe is expected to attend the “Eurasian Women’s Forum,” which will be held in Russia from September 18 to 20. If she participates, it raises the possibility that she may not attend the upcoming UN General Assembly, scheduled to open on September 24, nor deliver North Korea’s speech during the General Debate on September 30.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
