North Korea’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, arrived in Moscow on July 18 aboard her personal plane for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Russia’s foreign ministry had previously announced the visit, highlighting the close alliance between the two countries, particularly in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine. North Korea has provided missiles, munitions, and troops to support Russia, while Moscow reportedly supplies financial aid, military technology, food, and energy to North Korea.

The two nations signed a defense agreement during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in 2024. In April 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to assist Russia in winning its “sacred” war. Around the same time, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and other officials visited Pyongyang to discuss strengthening military ties. Belousov stated that Moscow is prepared to sign a cooperation plan covering the period from 2027 to 2031.

This visit underscores the ongoing strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia amid geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sources