Seoul: A delegation from Russia's Communist Party has arrived in North Korea, as reported by Pyongyang's state media, marking a continuation of the two nations' strengthened cooperation across military and other sectors.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the delegation, headed by Kazbek Taysaev, who is the secretary of the Russian party's central committee, reached Pyongyang on Monday. The Korean Central News Agency disclosed the arrival but withheld additional details, such as the specific objectives of the visit.
This visit follows an increased collaboration between North Korea and Russia in military, economic, and various other areas, especially after the signing of a mutual defense treaty in June of the previous year. Despite being Russia's opposition party, the Communist Party's visit is perceived as part of symbolic exchanges reflecting the traditional and amicable relations between the two countries, as stated by an official from Seoul's unification ministry.
The Communist Party holds the position of Russia's second-largest political party, trailing the ruling United Russia party. Kazbek Taysaev also leads the Russia-North Korea friendship parliamentary group of the State Duma. The delegation's arrival coincides with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko's announcement last week about ongoing preparations for a possible visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Russia within the year.
Speculation is rife that Kim Jong-un might visit Russia, perhaps in May, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day. This potential visit comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Kim during his visit to Pyongyang for summit discussions last June.