In a fresh display of growing strategic ties, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Wonsan, North Korea, on Saturday. During the meeting, Pyongyang publicly reaffirmed its strong support for Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.
Lavrov arrived in Wonsan after attending ASEAN meetings in Malaysia. Wonsan, a coastal city known for both leisure resorts and military installations, hosted the two ministers for a signing ceremony that further deepened cooperation between their nations. The visit follows the recent signing of a mutual defense pact, signaling the most significant upgrade in Russia-North Korea ties in decades.
Lavrov stated that North Korea had expressed “firm support” for Russia’s military and political objectives in Ukraine. Meanwhile, South Korean intelligence reported that North Korea may send more troops to assist Russian forces, with over 10,000 personnel already deployed. Additionally, Pyongyang has pledged to send 6,000 engineers and construction workers to help rebuild Russia’s war-damaged Kursk region.
Russia and North Korea also discussed boosting tourism and economic links, including resuming direct train service from Moscow to Pyongyang and proposing a new bridge connecting the two countries via the Tumen River. These projects aim to strengthen not just military but also economic engagement between the nations.
Lavrov is now expected to travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit next week. Russian officials have indicated that more high-level Russian delegations will visit North Korea later this year as part of their new strategic alliance.