MOSCOW: North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui is in Moscow for “strategic” talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, authorities said on Wednesday.
This visit comes amid Western concerns about thousands of North Korean troops reportedly training in Russia, potentially preparing to be deployed to fight in Ukraine.
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed, “Choe Son Hui is arriving in Moscow on an official visit to hold strategic consultations with Sergei Lavrov,” adding that more details would be provided later.
The United States reported on Monday that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are training in Russia and could be sent to Ukraine within “weeks.” US President Joe Biden labeled this potential deployment as “very dangerous,” while South Korea described it as an “illegal” action that poses a serious threat to global security.
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Since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine in 2022, Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened their ties, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin as his country’s “dearest friend.”
Last week, Russian lawmakers unanimously ratified a defense treaty with North Korea that includes provisions for “mutual assistance” in the event of aggression against either party.
