DPRK's Kim meets with Shoigu, pledges deeper ties with Russia
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DPRK state media say the discussions were "constructive" and held in a "friendly, trustworthy, and warm atmosphere."
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This photo taken on September 13, 2024, and released by the DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on September 14, 2024, shows DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (R) seeing off Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu at an undisclosed location in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (KCNA VIA KNS / AFP)
The leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un has committed to strengthening relations with Russia following discussions with visiting Russian Security Chief Sergei Shoigu, according to reports from state media on Saturday.
Western nations have accused the DPRK of circumventing international sanctions by selling ammunition to Russia amid the ongoing 30-month war in Ukraine.
In recent months, the DPRK has intensified its military collaboration with Russia, highlighted by President Vladimir Putin's rare visit to Pyongyang in June, where he and Kim signed a mutual defense agreement.
Images released by DPRK state media showed Kim and Shoigu embracing and smiling at the conclusion of their talks, with Kim extending his best wishes to "respected President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin" for success and good health.
The discussions were described as "constructive" and held in a "friendly, trustworthy, and warm atmosphere."
"There was a wide exchange of views on the issues of steadily deepening the strategic dialogue between the two countries and strengthening cooperation to defend the mutual security interests and on the regional and international situation," DPRK state media said.
Kim reaffirmed his country's commitment to expanding cooperation with Russia under the treaty signed in June.
Russia’s Security Council also noted on its website that Shoigu’s meeting with Kim would play an important role in implementing the defense agreement.
Shoigu, who stepped down as Russia's Defense Minister in May, now heads the Security Council. His previous meeting with Kim took place in July 2023 during celebrations in Pyongyang marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
The United States and South Korea have accused the DPRK of supplying munitions and missiles to support Russia in the Ukraine, claims that Pyongyang has dismissed as "absurd."
Read more: China ready to 'deepen' and 'strengthen' bilateral relations with DPRK
