An unwavering ally. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed unreserved support for Russia in his war against Ukraine, during a meeting with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov. This is what the North Korean North Korean Official Agency KCNA reported, describing, according to AFP, an exchange conducted in “An atmosphere of confidence and warm camaraderie”.
“The People’s and Democratic Republic of Korea is ready to support and unconditionally encourage all the measures taken by Russian leaders to eliminate the cause of the Ukrainian crisis at the root”would have said Kim Jong-un, according to KCNA. The North Korean leader said he was convinced that “The Russian army and people will win a certain victory by fulfilling the sacred cause of defending the dignity and fundamental interests of the country”.
Direct exchanges
This declaration is part of a strategic rapprochement started for several months between Pyongyang and Moscow. In 2024, the two countries signed a mutual defense pact, reinforced by a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin in North Korea. According to Russian authorities, thousands of North Korean soldiers were deployed to participate in the reconquest of the Koursk region, briefly controlled by the Ukrainian army last year. North Korea would also provide ammunition and missiles to Russia.
On his Telegram canal, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs broadcast a video showing the two men exchanging a handshake and a hug. Mr. Lavrov said Vladimir Poutine wanted “The continuation of direct contacts” With Kim Jong-Un ” as soon as possible “according to the Russian agency Tass. The Kremlin, interviewed this week on a possible visit by Kim in Russia, however said that no trip was planned for the moment.
Moscow treats its allies in Asia
The meeting was held in Wonsan, on the east coast of North Korea, where Pyongyang has just inaugurated a large tourist complex. Lavrov also met his North Korean counterpart, Choe his Hui, whom he thanked for the behavior “Heroic” North Korean soldiers engaged alongside the Russian forces.
The two diplomats insisted on their common will to “Fight against hegemonic aspirations of external actors”that they deem responsible for the rise of tensions in Asia-Pacific. As for a possible extended deployment of the North Korean troops on other parts of the front, Lavrov replied that this decision was only of Pyongyang: “We start from the principle that the RPDC itself determines the forms in which we implement our strategic partnership agreement. »»
This trip comes a month and a half after that of the secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Choigou, also welcomed in North Korea. He also coincides with the announcement of the launch of a direct air link between Moscow and Pyongyang, operated twice a week. Russia continues to extend its diplomatic canvas in the region: after leaving North Korea on Sunday morning, Sergei Lavrov arrived in China, where he must participate in a ministerial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (OCS).
