Pyongyang: North Korea's public security minister and Russia's interior minister have held talks on boosting exchanges and cooperation on law enforcement, the North's state media said Wednesday, amid deepening bilateral ties between the two nations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Russian Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and North Korea's Public Security Minister Pang Tu-sop shared their countries' experiences and accomplishments on law enforcement during their talks in Pyongyang the previous day. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that they discussed expanding exchanges and cooperation between the two ministries.
Irina Volk, spokesperson for the Russian ministry, conveyed on Telegram that Kolokoltsev highlighted the seriousness of drug trafficking during the meeting. He urged the two countries to share information on cases or individuals involved in drug smuggling. Kolokoltsev also invited Pang to visit Moscow and later observed a shooting training session by North Korean ministry agents.
The talks occurred as Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened their alignment following North Korea's troop deployment in support of Russia's war against Ukraine, expanding cooperation across various fields, including military, economy, and public security. A delegation led by the Russian minister arrived in Pyongyang on a working visit Monday.
The KCNA also reported that the two ministries signed a 2026-2027 road map for delegation exchanges, suggesting increased visits between the two countries. This move coincides with the anticipated completion of a road bridge linking North Korea and Russia over the Tumen River in June, which is expected to facilitate increased cross-border travel.
The potential increase in cross-border movement may prompt the two countries to tighten public security to curb potential border-related crimes, such as defections and trafficking. Tuesday's meeting came amid speculation that a high-level Russian military official may visit Pyongyang for the opening of a memorial museum honoring North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russia in the war with Ukraine. The North is expected to hold a completion ceremony next Monday, marking the first anniversary of what Russia has described as the liberation of the Kursk region.