North Korean Official Visits Russia Amid Strengthening Ties
A close ally of Kim Jong-un visits Russia, signaling deepening relations as the U.S. prepares for talks with China and Russia.
Seoul, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : A close associate of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is currently visiting Russia, as reported by state media on November 15. This visit comes in the wake of enhanced relations between North Korea and Russia, particularly following Russia’s military support in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Jo Yong-won, a secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Committee, arrived in Moscow on Saturday aboard a private jet. He is leading a delegation representing both the party and the government.
The visit occurs at a time when the friendship and alliance between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation are reportedly strengthening. This delegation was invited by Dmitry Medvedev, the president of Russia’s ruling United Russia party. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Andrei Klimov, a member of the party’s Supreme Council and the first deputy chairman of the State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, along with North Korea’s ambassador to Moscow, Sin Hong-chol.
Speculation about Kim’s potential visit to Moscow began after North Korea’s foreign minister made an unexpected trip to Russia in July. Jo Yong-won’s visit coincides with the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During his Asia trip next week, Trump plans to discuss nuclear disarmament with leaders from China and Russia, although U.S. officials do not anticipate any agreements from this trilateral meeting. Olivia Wells, deputy press secretary at the White House, mentioned that Trump’s visit to China will conclude with this meeting.
A senior U.S. official described the proposed discussions as a starting point for negotiations on nuclear disarmament, rather than an avenue for immediate agreements. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed skepticism about reaching any deal, noting that discussions with Xi and Putin could touch on the Iran issue, but are unlikely to include the topic of Ukraine.
