North Korean foreign minister on official visit to Russia, state media say

North Korea's top diplomat, Choe Son Hui, has arrived in Moscow for discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, North Korean state media reported Sunday. The visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, which have intensified their cooperation since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Choe and her delegation departed Pyongyang on Saturday aboard a private plane, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The Russian foreign ministry had previously announced the envoy's visit, highlighting the strong relationship between Moscow and its key ally. This partnership has seen North Korea supply missiles, munitions, and troops to Russia, while analysts suggest Moscow provides financial aid, military technology, food, and energy in return.

The strategic alignment between Russia and North Korea has drawn criticism from South Korea and the European Union. However, Pyongyang has defended its cooperation with Moscow, stating it is an "exercise of sovereign rights." This diplomatic engagement follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in 2024, where a defense agreement was signed, and a subsequent visit by Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who expressed readiness to sign a cooperation plan for 2027-2031.

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cooperation with Russia is an “exercise of sovereign rights”.