Top Russia Security Official Arrives In North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin top security adviser Sergei Shoigu has arrived in North Korea and plans to meet its leader Kim Jong Un, the TASS news agency reported, his latest visit amid advances in security ties between the countries.

The TASS report did not have further details. North Korean state media KCNA also reported on Shoigu’s arrival later on the day.

A delegation led by Shoigu was greeted by senior government officials and Moscow’s ambassador in Pyongyang, Alexandr Matsegorag, KCNA said.

The former defence minister earlier made visits to Pyongyang as North Korea geared up to deploy troops to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

US, Ukrainian and South Korean officials have said North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops who were sent into combat in Russia’s eastern Kursk region, and also shipped heavy weapons including artillery and ballistic missiles.

North Korea is believed to have received military and civilian technology and economic assistance from Moscow in return.

Neither Pyongyang nor Moscow has acknowledged Pyongyang’s deployment of troops and weapons, but said they continued to implement a strategic partnership treaty signed in June last year that includes a mutual defence pact.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere