Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his commitment to "invariably" support Russia's conflict in Ukraine during a meeting with a senior Russian security official, as reported by Pyongyang's state media.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim engaged in "important and useful" discussions with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang. Shoigu, who previously served as Russia's defense minister, arrived in North Korea shortly before the talks commenced.
The meeting involved an exchange of views on various issues concerning the security interests of both nations, as well as regional and global matters. Both parties confirmed their consensus on these issues, as stated by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim emphasized that it is the "steadfast option and resolute will of the DPRK government to invariably support Russia in defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests in the future," according to the report. DPRK is the official name of North Korea, standing for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
During the meeting, Shoigu delivered an "important signed letter" from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kim, although the details were not disclosed by the KCNA. Experts have speculated that Shoigu's visit might have been to elucidate Russia's stance on a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict and discuss potential support from North Korea in terms of troop deployment.
In recent phone talks, Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to temporarily halt strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, signaling a partial ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. Shoigu's visit to North Korea also fueled speculation regarding a potential visit by Kim to Russia, possibly in May for the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day. Putin extended an invitation to Kim for a visit to Moscow during his previous trip to Pyongyang for bilateral summit discussions.