Russia’s defense minister hails ‘important’ partnership with N.Korea during visit

Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday hailed his country’s partnership with North Korea during a meeting with his counterpart Kang Sun Nam in Pyongyang.

“For Russia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is an important partner, with which we share a common border and a rich history of cooperation,” Shoigu said according to a ministry statement.

The defense ministry released footage of a roundtable meeting with defense officials, which Shoigu said would “contribute to strengthening cooperation between our ministries of defense.”

Russian and Chinese delegations, North Korea’s first known foreign visitors since its pandemic border closure, came to Pyongyang to attend Korean War anniversary events.

Shoigu said he was “grateful to my Korean friends for the rich program offered. From the first minutes I felt your care and attention.”

Russia, a historic ally of North Korea, is one of a handful of nations with which it maintains friendly relations.