Pyongyang: Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang to discuss matters concerning Ukraine and security issues related to the Korean Peninsula, according to the Russian Embassy in North Korea. The embassy announced the meeting on Wednesday, highlighting the exchange of views on these critical regional and international issues. Shoigu returned to Russia later that day.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussions between Shoigu and Kim also touched upon cooperation in various fields. The Russian news agency Ria Novosti confirmed the meeting, quoting the embassy's social media post. Additionally, Tass reported that Shoigu's visit to North Korea was at the behest of President Vladimir Putin. This visit has fueled speculation about a potential summit between Kim and Putin in Russia, coinciding with the anniversary of their mutual defense treaty signed last June.
The mutual defense treaty led to the deployment of thousands of North Korean troops on the Russian side in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Tass further cited Russia's Security Council, indicating that Kim and Shoigu were expected to deliberate on the strategic partnership treaty's implementation and the commemoration of North Korean forces involved in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Shoigu's visit follows a previous trip to North Korea less than three months ago, where he also met with Kim to discuss bilateral cooperation. This recent visit came shortly after North Korea's State Security Minister Ri Chang-dae's meeting with Shoigu in Moscow during an international security officials' gathering. During that previous meeting, the discussions reportedly included North Korea's military support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
In the face of stringent international sanctions, North Korea has increasingly sought resources and cooperation from Russia. It is believed that North Korea has received rare defense technologies to bolster its nuclear and missile capabilities in exchange for its military support and arms supplies to Russia.