CNN
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Russian Overseas Minister Sergey Lavrov met North Korean chief Kim Jong Un Saturday in an indication of deepening relations between Moscow and Pyongyang because the latter will get pulled deeper into Russia’s warfare in Ukraine.
Russia’s overseas ministry posted a photo of the 2 leaders on Telegram Saturday within the North Korean metropolis of Wonsan on the nation’s jap coast. Lavrov arrived in North Korea on Friday for the beginning of a three-day go to.
Lavrov additionally met together with his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui in Wonson Saturday, Russia’s overseas ministry said on Telegram.
“We exchanged views on the scenario surrounding the Ukrainian disaster,” Lavrov was quoted as saying by Russian state media company TASS at a press convention following that assembly. “Our Korean associates confirmed their agency help for all of the targets of the particular navy operation, in addition to for the actions of the Russian management and armed forces.”
On Wednesday, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s overseas ministry, stated Lavrov would go to North Korea for talks that have been a part of “the second spherical of strategic dialogue” between the nations’ prime diplomats, based on TASS.
North Korea’s state information company, KCNA, additionally reported Wednesday that Lavrov could be visiting “on the invitation of” Pyongyang’s overseas ministry.
Lavrov’s journey comes at an important time for Russian-North Korean relations, with Pyongyang set to deploy an additional 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers to help Moscow’s scaled-up assault on Ukraine, based on Ukrainian intelligence – including to the estimated 11,000 troopers Pyongyang despatched final yr.
It additionally comes because the US has grown more and more pissed off with Russia. US President Donald Trump has accused his counterpart Vladimir Putin of throwing “bullsh*t” at peace talks, and pledged extra help for Ukraine.
The journey may additional strengthen an alliance that has the potential to reshape not solely the warfare in Ukraine however the safety dynamic in Asia.
Choe Son Hui visited Moscow for the primary spherical of strategic talks in November 2024, based on TASS. On the time, Lavrov praised what he referred to as “very shut contacts” with the North Korean navy and intelligence providers.
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