Moscow/Seoul, March 21 – Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang today, delivering a personal message from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting underscores the strengthening relationship between the two nations amid growing geopolitical tensions.
According to Russian news agencies, including TASS, Shoigu conveyed Putin’s warm greetings to Kim, emphasizing the Russian President’s keen interest in the implementation of agreements reached between the two leaders. Shoigu further affirmed Russia’s commitment to upholding the Russia-North Korea Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, asserting that it is fully in line with the interests of both countries.
The discussions, which reportedly lasted for approximately two hours, also covered a range of critical international issues. These included the potential resumption of dialogue between the United States and Russia, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Analysts suggest that the meeting may have also addressed the sensitive issue of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. This detail, while unconfirmed, highlights the complex web of alliances and conflicts shaping the current global landscape.
The meeting follows the signing of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and North Korea in Pyongyang last June. A key provision of the treaty stipulates that if either country is subjected to armed aggression by another state or group of states, the other party will provide military assistance.
The deepening ties between Russia and North Korea have raised concerns in the international community, particularly regarding potential violations of UN sanctions against North Korea and the implications for regional stability. The United States and its allies have repeatedly condemned the growing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, accusing North Korea of providing military support to Russia in its war against Ukraine in exchange for economic and technological assistance.
This visit by Shoigu, a high-ranking Russian official, serves as a clear signal of Russia’s commitment to its partnership with North Korea, despite international pressure and condemnation. The implications of this strengthened alliance are likely to be far-reaching, impacting the geopolitical landscape of Northeast Asia and beyond.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, March 21). 俄媒：俄安全会议秘书绍伊古访朝会晤金正恩 [Russian Media: Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu Visits North Korea and Meets with Kim Jong-un]. Retrieved from [Insert URL if available]
- TASS Russian News Agency reports on March 21, 2024.
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