In a recent encounter with Sergey Lavrov, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un spoke about the strengthening bonds between Pyongyang and Moscow. The statement came through coverage from TASS, noting a marked improvement in the warmth of the bilateral relationship following Lavrov’s visit to Russia in September.
Kim Jong-un emphasized that the genuine friendship between North Korea and Russia has deepened considerably as a result of high-level exchanges and ongoing dialogue between the two nations. He highlighted the positive tone and collaborative spirit now permeating discussions at all levels of government, with both sides placing a strong emphasis on sustaining and expanding their partnership.
During a personal exchange with Lavrov, Kim conveyed his satisfaction with the atmosphere surrounding their cooperation and the mutual respect that underpins it. He greeted the Russian foreign minister as a comrade, underscoring a sense of shared purpose and strategic alignment in their diplomatic engagements.
The two leaders’ encounter in Pyongyang lasted roughly an hour, a period during which Lavrov also paid respects at a monument commemorating the Soviet Army’s liberation of Korea from Japanese occupation. The moment reflected a ceremonial acknowledgment of historical ties and the continuing importance of long-standing alliances in the region.
On the same trip, Lavrov invited North Korea’s foreign minister, Choi Song-hee, to visit Moscow at a time that suits her schedule. The invitation signals an ongoing push to broaden official exchanges and deepen the channels of communication between the two governments, extending beyond the highest levels of leadership to include senior diplomats and ministry officials.
Lavrov’s visit to North Korea in September, at the invitation of Kim Jong-un, was described as an official mission with a high protocol status, illustrating the seriousness with which both sides regard their bilateral engagement. The visit reinforced the commitment to synchronize policies and coordinate actions on regional issues and shared interests, as described in contemporary summaries of the talks.
There were also discussions regarding travel and people-to-people exchanges, with remarks indicating an interest in encouraging Russian tourism to North Korea in line with broader efforts to foster greater mutual understanding and cultural ties between the two countries. The intent appears to be to create more opportunities for citizens to engage, learn, and collaborate across borders, contributing to a more stable and cooperative regional environment.