The Russian delegation, headed by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov, arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday to participate in the 10th session of the intergovernmental commission focused on trade, economy, science and technology cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The visit was announced by Reuters, citing the Korean Central News Agency as the source and confirming the formal involvement of high-level government representatives in the bilateral talks.
The message from the Korean Central News Agency described the Russian side as a government delegation ready to engage in discussions on a broad spectrum of topics. It emphasized the delegation’s role in strengthening ties within the framework of the intergovernmental commission, which is dedicated to advancing collaboration across trade, economic activities, scientific exchange, and technological development between the two nations.
During the visit, the North Korean authorities organized a formal reception at the Pyongyang Koryo Hotel to honor the Russian delegation. Such gatherings are typically used to underscore mutual respect and to set a cooperative tone for the discussions that follow. The setting provided an opportunity for senior officials on both sides to exchange views and reaffirm a shared interest in expanding practical cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Russian minister conveyed a hopeful outlook regarding the future of bilateral cooperation. He underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and practical projects that could benefit both nations, particularly in areas like natural resources, environmental management, and the exchange of technical expertise. The message conveyed a commitment to concrete steps that would translate diplomatic diplomacy into tangible gains on the ground.
On November 14, the Russian presidential press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, addressed questions about accusations that Russia and China assist North Korea in bypassing arms control sanctions. He stated that such accusations are unfounded, reinforcing Moscow’s stance on compliance with international obligations and its willingness to engage in transparent dialogue about denuclearization and security concerns. The remarks reflected a broader effort to present Russia as a responsible partner within the regional security architecture, while continuing to pursue economic and technical cooperation with North Korea through formal channels. Earlier reports in Pyongyang touched on broader regional dynamics, including discussions around the presence of Western naval forces and their potential implications for regional stability and strategic calculations.