Russia's Security Chief Arrives in Pyongyang for Meeting with Kim Jong-Un: Report
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang to hold a meeting with leader Kim Jong-un, a Russian news report said Wednesday.
Shoigu traveled to North Korea on instructions from President Vladimir Putin and is scheduled to meet with Kim, the Russian news agency TASS reported.
The visit came amid speculation that Kim may visit Russia for a summit with Putin to mark the first anniversary of their signing of a mutual defense treaty in June last year, which led to North Korea's deployment of thousands of troops on the Russian side in the war against Ukraine.
Citing Russia's Security Council, TASS said that Kim and Shoigu are expected to discuss the implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty and the commemoration of North Korean forces who fought in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The agenda may also include international issues, such as those involving Ukraine, it said.
Shoigu's visit came less than three months after he traveled to North Korea to meet the North's leader to discuss cooperation between the two nations.
His trip also came just a week after North Korea's State Security Minister Ri Chang-dae held a meeting with him in Moscow on the occasion of an international meeting of high-level security officials.
During that meeting, Ri and Shoigu reportedly discussed issues related to North Korea's deployment of troops to support Russia in the war against Ukraine.
