Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with his North Korean counterpart, No Kwang Chol, in Pyongyang on Friday to discuss expanding military cooperation.
The meeting follows intensified efforts by North Korea to bolster ties with Russia, a move analysts view as part of Pyongyang’s strategy to break international isolation and align itself with Moscow in what some call a “new Cold War.”
Belousov emphasized that the recent strategic partnership agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, signed in June, aims to stabilize Northeast Asia by reducing the risk of war, including nuclear conflict, and maintaining a regional balance of power.
“The agreement is a step towards preserving peace and ensuring stability in the region,” Belousov stated.
North Korea’s Defense Minister No pledged solidarity, declaring, “Pyongyang stands united with our Russian comrades to safeguard international peace and security.”
The high-level meeting occurred amid rising regional tensions. Earlier this week, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol hosted Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Seoul to discuss countermeasures against North Korea’s reported deployment of thousands of troops to Russia in support of its conflict in Ukraine.
The U.S. and its allies have accused North Korea of sending over 10,000 soldiers to Russia, with some allegedly engaged in combat operations. These developments underline Pyongyang’s deepening military alignment with Moscow as it seeks to assert its presence on the global stage.
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