SEOUL: North Korea’s External Economic Relations Minister, Yun Jong Ho, engaged in talks with Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Russia’s Primorsky region, which shares a border with North Korea. The discussions, aimed at elevating economic cooperation between the two nations, included the signing of an agreement by their respective trade and economic working groups. Although details of the agreement and the meeting were not disclosed, the move underscores the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the neighboring states.
Primorsky, also known as Primorye, has been at the forefront of these discussions, and its governor, Kozhemyako, expressed optimism about the potential for increased collaboration. He mentioned that the visit marked the first in a while due to the pandemic and outlined a comprehensive agenda for developing humanitarian ties, particularly in the areas of culture, tourism, and sports.
The meeting gains significance as South Korea’s intelligence agency reported indications of North Korea considering the deployment of workers to Russia. Such a move could potentially violate UN Security Council sanctions aimed at restricting Pyongyang’s access to funds that could be channeled into its prohibited weapons programs. The economic discussions align with North Korea’s efforts to explore avenues for economic development and collaboration amid the challenging international sanctions landscape.
In a related development, Governor Kozhemyako had previously expressed the readiness of Primorye to explore the possibility of allocating agricultural land for North Korean farmers. This gesture indicates a willingness to foster economic cooperation and trade partnerships that could benefit both regions.
The recent talks follow a series of bilateral visits and engagements initiated after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia in September, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. During these interactions, discussions have spanned various domains, including military cooperation, economic collaboration, and cultural exchanges.
The evolving relationship between North Korea and Russia has faced scrutiny amid allegations of arms trade between the two nations. The United States has expressed concerns over potential military collaboration, especially in light of Russia’s involvement in the conflict with Ukraine. Despite these challenges, the recent meeting reflects ongoing efforts to deepen diplomatic ties and explore avenues for mutual benefit.
The engagement between North Korea and Russia extends beyond economic considerations, encompassing cultural, sports, and agricultural domains. These interactions contribute to the broader narrative of diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation and dialogue between the two nations.
