North Korean Foreign Minister Set for Official Visit to Russia

General


SEOUL, South Korea – North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui is scheduled to make an official visit to Russia this week, as reported by state media on Sunday. This visit comes at a time when there are growing indications of increased military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.



According to Yonhap News Agency, Choe Son-hui will be in Russia from January 15 to 17, following an invitation from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This brief announcement underscores the continuing diplomatic engagements between the two countries.



The visit is particularly noteworthy as North Korea and Russia have faced accusations of exchanging weapons and military technology. These alleged transactions, which are said to be in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, have garnered international attention, especially since the September summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a Russian spaceport.



Recently, the White House reported that Russia had fired additional North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine, following similar launches on December 30 and January 2. However, both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied any involvement in such arms transfers.



During her visit, Choe is expected to meet with Lavrov. This meeting will mark another significant diplomatic engagement, following their last meeting in Pyongyang in October, three months prior.



The visit by the North Korean Foreign Minister to Russia underscores the ongoing and potentially deepening relationship between the two countries, amidst global concerns about their military cooperation and compliance with international regulations.