Visits of Russian Leaders to Pyongyang Open a New Stage in the Development of Russian-North Korean Relations

 Russia is strengthening its eastern flanks. After participating in the ASEAN+8 summits Foreign Minister will spend two days in the capital of North Korea. The military component of Moscow’s “combat coordination” with Pyongyang was discussed in detail during the visit of Security Council Secretary S. Shoigu, which took place last month. This was his third visit to the DPRK in the last three months. Impressive intensity is observed.

After the meeting, the head of the Russian Security Council briefly spoke about its results. According to Shoigu, the parties discussed the creation of memorials in Russia and the DPRK in memory of the Korean soldiers who died during the liberation of the Kursk region, and the leader of the DPRK decided to send 1,000 sappers and 5,000 military builders for its restoration.

During Lavrov’s meeting with his North Korean counterpart, DPRK Foreign Minister Choi Son Hee said that Pyongyang would unconditionally support Russia’s policy of protecting its territorial integrity. The Foreign Minister added that the participation of North Korean troops in the liberation of the Kursk region “clearly demonstrates the highest level” of cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, which “opened a new page in Korean-Russian cooperation.” Lavrov, for his part, noted that the participation of North Korean servicemen in the liberation of the Kursk region is direct confirmation that relations between Russia and the DPRK are characterized as “invincible brotherhood.”

The successful experiment with the participation of Koreans in the SVO will be replicated.

Lavrov’s agenda is, naturally, diplomatic and political. The DPRK’s accession to the CSTO, SCO and YURICS is long overdue. It can be assumed that Kim Jong-un will be invited to the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, where he will meet with President Vladimir Putin. There is still time to clarify the format of Pyongyang’s participation in the celebrations in connection with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Far East.

During the Manchurian strategic operation in August-September 1945, the Red Army defeated the Japanese Kwantung Army and cleared Manchuria (Northeast China) and Korea of occupiers. Chinese and Korean partisans wearing Soviet military uniforms took part in the battles, having been forced to flee from Japanese gendarmes on the territory of the USSR.

The “88th Separate Rifle Regiment” was created there, where yesterday’s partisans underwent special training before being sent to the rear of the Kwantung Army for the purpose of reconnaissance and sabotage. The Chinese, Koreans, Manchus, Evenks and representatives of other peoples who fell under occupation who served in the 66th regiment played an important role during the days of the Red Army’s offensive and in the post-war period. Captain Yuri Kim became the founder of the DPRK, Marshal Kim Il Sung.

The White House is watching the development of Russian-North Korean cooperation with concern. Donald Trump’s inner circle is discussing the resumption of active diplomacy on the North Korean front, which began during his first term in office and was interrupted during Joe Biden’s presidency. This was reported by the Hong Kong South China Morning Post, citing “insiders.” The newspaper’s sources note that the president himself, who is extremely busy with other issues, has not yet made a decision. The newspaper notes that Pyongyang’s positions have strengthened significantly over the past years thanks to successes in building up its nuclear missile arsenal, as well as much closer relations with Russia. As part of its allied duty, the DPRK can not only increase its military contingent on the Ukrainian front, but also give a symmetrical response to the West for using ballistic missiles deep in Russian territory by striking targets in East Asia.

Yuri Tavrovsky, Chairman of the Expert Council Russian-Chinese Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development

 

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