Russia's Shoigu visits Pyongyang, to meet with DPRK's Kim
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The Russian Security Council Secretary will meet with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang to discuss the Russia–DPRK partnership treaty, the Ukraine war, and regional security.
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In this photo provided by the DPRK government, Russia's Security Council Secretary, Sergey Shoigu, left, and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un shake hands during their meeting in Pyongyang, DPRK, Friday, March 21, 2025 (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has arrived in Pyongyang on behalf of President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant development in the strengthening of the relations between Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts tied to the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Shoigu-Kim talks to focus on strategic partnership and regional security
Shoigu is expected to meet with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un to advance bilateral discussions on strategic cooperation and international security.
According to the Russian Security Council, the talks will center on implementing key provisions of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which formalizes and deepens ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The leaders will also address shared historical memory, including commemorating Korean fighters who contributed to the battle in Russia’s Kursk Region.
In late April, the DPRK confirmed for the first time it had deployed troops to Russia, with state news agency KCNA reporting that Pyongyang's soldiers helped Moscow reclaim territory under Ukrainian control in the border region of Kursk.
The meeting underscores the growing alignment between Russia and the DPRK amid increasing geopolitical tensions with Western powers.
Meeting to discuss pressing international matters, Ukraine
In addition to strategic cooperation, Shoigu and Kim are expected to discuss pressing international matters, including the situation surrounding Ukraine.
This follows a previous exchange between the two leaders in March when Shoigu last visited the DPRK. During that visit, Shoigu conveyed a message from Putin and discussed both the Ukraine conflict and the resumption of Russia–US dialogue.
Shoigu’s continued diplomatic engagement with DPRK
Shoigu’s latest trip reflects Russia’s consistent diplomatic outreach to the DPRK as both countries face heightened pressure from Western states.
His prior engagement with the DPRK's Minister of State Security, Ri Chang Dae, took place on the sidelines of the 13th international meeting of high-level security representatives last month, further reinforcing security coordination.
Read more: DPRK slams MSMT report on Russia ties as violation of sovereignty
