N. Korean leader meets Russian foreign minister, reaffirms deepening ties with Moscow

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Wonsan on July 12. KCNA/YONHAP

SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday in Wonsan, reinforcing a growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow amid heightened global tensions, Pyongyang's state media the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Sunday.

Lavrov's visit, which followed the second foreign ministerial strategic dialogue between the two countries, was marked by a show of unity on key international and regional issues. During the meeting, Kim said North Korea and Russia "share the same views on all strategic issues," describing their relationship as having reached a "high strategic level."

Before the meeting, Kim was briefed on the outcome of Lavrov’s talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. He expressed confidence that the "coordinated and harmonious diplomatic stands" of the two countries would contribute positively to peace and security in the region and beyond.

Kim also voiced full support for Russia’s handling of the war in Ukraine. "We are ready to unconditionally support and encourage all the measures taken by the Russian leadership as regards the tackling of the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis," he said.

Lavrov, delivering a personal message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed Moscow's commitment to strengthening "strategic and tactical cooperation" with North Korea and deepening coordination on the global stage.

Although neither side announced a new summit, Russian media reported that Lavrov conveyed Putin’s message expressing hope for a direct meeting with Kim "in the very near future." The Russian president had extended an invitation during his visit to Pyongyang in June 2024.

North Korean state media also released a joint statement on the second strategic dialogue, which reaffirmed the two governments' commitment to their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. Both sides agreed to implement its provisions "faithfully" and continue developing what they called a long-term strategic alliance.

Russia also made its position clear on the Korean Peninsula, rejecting any attempts to undermine North Korea’s status and expressing "unwavering support" for Pyongyang's efforts to protect its sovereignty and national security.

The two countries signed a bilateral exchange plan for 2026 and 2027 and agreed to hold further high-level meetings. While the details were not made public, experts believe discussions may have included military cooperation, tourism initiatives, and energy support.

Lavrov was welcomed at a banquet held at the newly reopened Songdowon Hotel in the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone. The event is seen as part of North Korea’s push to attract Russian tourists and rebuild economic links with its longtime ally.

Park Sae-jin Reporter swatchsjp@ajunews.com

- Copyright ⓒ [아주경제 ajunews.com] 무단전재 배포금지 -