Pangyong: Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu arrived in North Korea on Tuesday as reported by TASS News Agency, citing Moscow’s Defence ministry. Minister Shoigu is accompanied by a Russian military delegation and is set to stay in North Korea for three days.

The delegation was welcomed with an official ceremony at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport, where the North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun-nam greeted Minister Shoigu.

A military delegation of the Russian Federation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang on July 25.
Conducted by Kang Sun Nam, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, Sergei Shoigu reviewed the KPA guards of honor. pic.twitter.com/E1IYK83uFK

— paramasivam (@Parama_Coreafan) July 26, 2023

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Festivities for the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War

The Russian delegation’s visit coincides with the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. The visit is seen as a significant event that will strengthen the ties between Russia and North Korea, fostering further cooperation between the two countries.

Chinese Communist Party Official’s Visit

Apart from the Russian delegation, a delegation led by Chinese Communist Party official Li Hongzhong will also visit Pyongyang. China and Russia have been long-time allies of North Korea, dating back to the Korean War, during which China sent a large number of troops to support North Korea.

Tensions with the US and South Korea

Amid simmering tensions between North Korea and its South Korean and US allies, the visit of the Russian and Chinese delegations adds to the geopolitical context. The US and South Korea have repeatedly condemned North Korea’s missile tests and have deployed military assets in response.

US Soldier’s Illegal Entry

Adding to the tensions, an incident occurred where a US soldier, Pvt Travis King, crossed into North Korea from South Korea illegally. He was assigned to US Forces Korea and had been on a civilian tour in the Joint Security Area. The United Nations Command has been engaged in conversations with North Korea over this matter.

The minister’s visit and the concurrent Chinese delegation’s visit mark an important moment in the relationships between these nations. As the situation remains tense in the region, the world watches closely for any further developments.