Russian Defense Minister Concludes Two-Day Visit to North Korea
Moscow &Seoul, December 1, 2024 – Russian DefenseMinister Andrei Beloousov concluded a two-day visit to North Korea on November 30th, after visiting Pyongyang’s Liberation Tower and the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, according to Yonhap News Agency. The visit, shrouded in some secrecy regarding specific details of discussions, highlights the deepening militarycooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The trip began on November 29th with a formal meeting between Minister Beloousov and his North Korean counterpart, Minister of National Defence No Kwang Chol. According to reports fromthe Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the two ministers engaged in discussions focused on strengthening military cooperation and strategic and tactical collaboration. The visit also included a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While the exact nature ofthese discussions remains undisclosed by both North Korean and Russian state media, the emphasis on military cooperation suggests a significant focus on shared military strategy and potentially, arms deals.
KCNA further reported that on November 30th, Minister Beloousov, accompanied by a delegation from the Russian Ministry of Defence, laidflowers at the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang’s Moranbong district. The delegation included Ri Kang Il, Vice Minister of the North Korean Ministry of National Defence; Kim Jong Kye, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Alexander Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea. The visit also included a trip tothe Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum housing the embalmed bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, a customary gesture of respect for North Korean leadership.
Minister Beloousov’s departure from Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport was marked by a farewell ceremony attended by Minister NoKwang Chol and General Jeong Gyeong-jeok, Director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army. The high-level send-off underscores the importance placed on the visit by the North Korean government.
The lack of detailed information regarding the specifics of the discussions between Ministers Beloousov andNo Kwang Chol raises questions about the nature and extent of the burgeoning military relationship between Russia and North Korea. While both countries have publicly emphasized their commitment to strengthening ties, the absence of concrete details leaves room for speculation regarding potential arms deals, intelligence sharing, or joint military exercises. Further analysis of official statements and independentreporting will be crucial in understanding the full implications of this high-level visit. The timing of the visit, amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and increasing Western sanctions against Russia, suggests a strategic alignment between the two nations in the face of perceived external threats.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (December 1, 2024). Russian Defense Minister Concludes Two-Day Visit to North Korea. [Link to Yonhap article if available]
- Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). (December 1, 2024). [KCNA article on the visit –translate and insert link if available]
*(Note: This article is based on the provided information. The lack of detailed information from official sources necessitates some speculation and a focus on the significance of the visit rather than specific policy outcomes. Further reporting and analysis are needed to fully understand the implications of this meeting.)
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