North Korea's Foreign Minister stated that Pyongyang will stand by Russia until "the day of victory" as both nations continue to strengthen their ties.
"We have no doubt that, under the wise leadership of the esteemed President Vladimir Putin, the Russian army and people will achieve a great victory in the sacred struggle to defend national sovereignty and security," North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui declared during a meeting with her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow on November 1.
"I want to reiterate that we will always stand with our Russian comrades until the day of victory," Choe added. While she did not specify further, news agencies Reuters and AFP suggested she was referring to a Russian victory in the conflict with Ukraine.
Choe also emphasized the need for North Korea and Russia to deepen bilateral relations based on a treaty signed by the two nations' leaders in June, which includes a provision for joint defense. In response, Lavrov highlighted the "very close relationship" between the two countries' militaries, adding that this cooperation would enable Russia and North Korea to address significant security challenges together.
"We are grateful to our North Korean friends for their principled stance on the events unfolding in Ukraine," Lavrov said. Choe's official visit to Russia included a ceremony with Lavrov to unveil a commemorative plaque honoring North Korean founder Kim Il-sung’s visit to the Soviet Union in 1949.
Choe’s visit comes amid accusations from the West that North Korea has deployed thousands of soldiers to Russia and may send them to fight in Ukraine. Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, dismissed these claims on October 30, calling them "one-sided accusations" intended to divert attention from real threats to global peace and security. He emphasized that military and other forms of cooperation between Russia and North Korea comply with international law.
On October 21, North Korea's representative to the United Nations also denied sending troops to support Russia’s campaign in Ukraine, labeling such allegations as "baseless rumors."
During their meeting, the Russian and North Korean foreign ministers did not address these claims.
Russia and North Korea share a land border and have historical ties dating back to the Soviet era. President Putin visited North Korea in 2000, shortly after becoming president, to meet with then-leader Kim Jong-il. The two nations have grown closer since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine in early 2022. During Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June, the two leaders signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which includes a clause stating that if either country is attacked, the other will provide immediate military and other support.
(According to AFP, Reuters, TASS)
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