SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu and discussed deepening strategic dialogue between the two countries, state media KCNA said on Saturday.
They had a “wide exchange of views on regional and international situations”, and reached a satisfactory consensus on issues including more “cooperation to defend mutual safety interests,” KCNA said.
Kim said North Korea will continue to expand cooperation with Russia in accordance with the strategic partnership between the two countries, KCNA said.
The United States and Ukraine among other countries, as well as independent analysts, say that Kim is helping Russia in its invasion of Ukraine by supplying rockets and missiles in return for economic and other military assistance from Moscow.
Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the accusations, but pledged to boost military cooperation and signed a comprehensive strategic partnership at a summit in June.
Shoigu, previously Russia’s defence minister until May, now secretary of the Security Council, signaled the beginning of closer ties between North Korea and Russia with his visit to Pyongyang in July last year.
At the time, he stood shoulder to shoulder with Kim while viewing North Korea’s military parade showcasing nuclear-capable missiles and attack drones, as the first top Russian defence official to visit North Korea since the 1991 break-up of the Soviet Union.
North Korea under Kim Jong Un has continued to strengthen its relations with Russia, as evidenced by the recent meeting with top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu. The discussions centered on deepening the strategic dialogue between the two countries, with an emphasis on regional and international situations. Kim expressed the commitment of North Korea to expanding cooperation with Russia in alignment with their strategic partnership.
However, there have been accusations from various countries and analysts, including the United States and Ukraine, suggesting that North Korea is aiding Russia in its invasion of Ukraine by providing rockets and missiles in exchange for economic and military assistance. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these allegations but have affirmed their intention to enhance military cooperation through a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang last year marked the initiation of closer ties between North Korea and Russia. Standing alongside Kim during North Korea’s military parade, Shoigu showcased a display of nuclear-capable missiles and attack drones, highlighting the strengthening bond between the two nations.
For more news articles on trending topics like this, visit DeFi Daily News.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the meeting between Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu signifies the ongoing collaboration between North Korea and Russia in enhancing their strategic dialogue. Despite the controversies surrounding their military cooperation, the diplomatic relations between the two countries continue to strengthen. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses on global affairs from DeFi Daily News!
