Kim's Meeting with Russia's Defense Minister, New Dimension in Strategic Partnership Cooperation

Kim's Meeting with Russia's Defense Minister, New Dimension in Strategic Partnership Cooperation

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged "unwavering support" for Russia's efforts in the Ukraine war during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The meeting, held on Friday (November 29, 2024) in Pyongyang, resulted in a "satisfactory understanding" regarding the enhancement of the two countries' strategic partnership, according to North Korea's state news agency KCNA.

A military delegation led by Russia's defense minister arrived in North Korea on Friday, signaling the growing cooperation between the two nations. This follows the recent concern over North Korea sending thousands of soldiers to Russia last month.

Kim Jong Un stated that North Korea would continuously support Russia's "policies aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity." He also expressed that Russia's efforts to prevent the dominance of Western imperialist powers were justified.

North Korea has consistently supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine, viewing it as a response to the aggressive policies of NATO and the U.S.-led Western powers. In the meeting between Kim and Belousov, both sides emphasized the need to strengthen mutual cooperation to safeguard their security and international justice.

Analysts suggest that this growing cooperation between the two countries could pose new diplomatic and security challenges on the global stage.