Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on March 21, delivering a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Russia’s TASS news agency, Shoigu, who arrived in Pyongyang earlier that day, conveyed Putin’s “warmest congratulations and greetings” and emphasized the Russian president’s “highest attention” to the implementation of agreements signed between the two countries.
![Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu is seen after a meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un. [YONHAP]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0321-shoigu-1.jpg)
Last June, Kim and Putin held a summit in Pyongyang, where they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. The agreement includes a clause committing each side to provide military assistance if the other is attacked.
Shoigu’s visit marks his first trip to North Korea in six months, following his last visit in September. Observers speculate that discussions may have included arrangements for Kim Jong-un to visit Russia in May for the Victory Day celebrations.
Putin had extended an invitation to Kim during their summit last year. The two sides are also expected to exchange updates on the state of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine and may discuss potential Russian support in return for North Korean troop deployment.
Meanwhile, North Korea announced the successful test launch of a new surface-to-air missile, which took place in the presence of Kim Jong-un.
According to state media outlets such as the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the test was conducted to assess the overall combat performance of the latest anti-air (surface-to-air) missile system, which has now entered mass production.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the test involved the launch of a cruise missile as a target, which was then intercepted by the surface-to-air missile.
Kim praised the weapon, saying it would become “another major defensive asset with commendable combat capabilities” for the North Korean military.
By Mooyoung Lee [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu is seen after a meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un. Video grab. Best quality available. [YONHAP]
![Government and corporate representatives from both countries pose for a commemorative photo at the "Signing Ceremony for Strengthening Cooperation between Korean Air, Boeing, and GE" held in Washington D.C. on March 21 (local time). Pictured are Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (third from right), Cho Won-tae, Chairman of Hanjin Group (fourth from right), Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce (third from left), Kelly Ortberg, CEO of Boeing (fourth from left), and Russell Stokes, President and CEO of GE Aerospace's Commercial Engines & Services division (first from left). [Photo provided by Korean Air]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Korean-Air-Strengthens-Cooperation-with-Boeing-and-GE-100x70.jpeg "Korean Air Strengthens Cooperation with Boeing and GE")
