A senior Russian intelligence official met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang and thanked him for the country's support for Moscow's military efforts in Ukraine, Russian state media reported.
The meeting came after reports that North Korea recently sent additional troops to Russia to help it in its war efforts.
Russia's state news agency TASS reported that Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu conveyed to Mr Kim a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who conveyed his greetings and promised to pay “the closest attention” to implementing the agreements reached during the recent talks.
The agency reported that Mr Shoigu expressed gratitude on behalf of Russia for “North Korea's solidarity with Russia's position on all major geopolitical issues, especially on the Ukrainian issue.”
Another Russian news agency, Interfax, reported that during the meeting Mr Shoigu reaffirmed Moscow's “unconditional readiness” to abide by the security partnership agreement reached at last year's summit in Pyongyang, which includes a commitment to mutual assistance if either country faces aggression.
The agency, citing Mr. Shoigu, reported that during his more than two-hour meeting with Mr. Kim Jong-un, various issues were discussed, including Russia's war in Ukraine, Moscow's dialogue with the Trump administration and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Mr Shoigu's visit came after Ukraine and Russia agreed in principle to a limited ceasefire following talks between President Donald Trump and the countries' leaders, although it was not yet clear when it would take effect or what possible targets would be off-limits.
North Korea's official Central News Agency also confirmed the arrival of a Russian delegation led by Mr Shoigu, but gave no details about the purpose of their visit.
The North supplies Russia with massive amounts of conventional weapons, according to U.S., South Korean and Ukrainian intelligence officials, and last fall it also sent about 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia.
In late February, South Korea's spy agency said North Korea appeared to have sent additional troops to Russia. South Korean media estimated the number of new North Korean soldiers at between 1,000 and 3,000.
South Korea, America and other countries suspect that North Korea is receiving economic and military aid from Russia in exchange for arms and troops.
Many experts believe that North Korea will likely increase its support for Russia in order to get as many benefits from it as possible before the war ends.
Some observers say Mr. Shoigu’s trip may be linked to a possible trip to Russia by Mr. Kim. Mr. Putin visited Pyongyang in June 2024 and signed a major mutual defense treaty with Mr. Kim. At the time, Mr. Putin invited Kim to visit Moscow.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
