North Korean minister in Russia amid concerns over weapon deal

Moscow, January 16

North Korea’s foreign minister lauded comradely ties with Russia on Tuesday ahead of a rare meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been invited by Kim Jong Un to visit the reclusive nuclear-armed country. Putin has deepened ties with North Korea since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the US and its allies have condemned what they say have been significant North Korean missile deliveries to Russia to help its war effort.

Both Russia and North Korea have repeatedly dismissed the criticism. Moscow says it will develop ties with whatever countries it wants and that its cooperation with Pyongyang does not contravene international agreements. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui began talks in Moscow with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov hailing progress on implementing agreements struck during Kim’s visit to eastern Russia last September.

“The fact that now the foreign ministers of the two countries often meet and deepen comradely ties is yet more proof that the Korean-Russian friendly relations, with a long history of friendship and tradition, are energetically moving forward in accordance with the plans of the leaders,” Choe said. Lavrov said they would discuss the broader situation on the Korean peninsula, and cautioned the US that threats from Washington would achieve little.

Putin will accord Choe the rare honour of receiving her later on Tuesday, along with Lavrov – who visited Pyongyang in October.

During Kim’s visit last year, the Kremlin chief accepted an invitation to visit North Korea and Choe’s talks are expected to include discussions about that potential trip. — Reuters