Strengthening Ties: Lavrovs Diplomatic Mission to North Korea This Weekend

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is set to travel to North Korea this weekend, marking the latest in a series of significant visits by high-ranking Russian officials as the two nations strengthen their ties.

Lavrov «will be in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from July 11 to 13» for the «second round of strategic discussions at the foreign ministerial level,» Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova informed reporters on Wednesday.

Earlier reports from North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency indicated that Lavrov’s visit is «at the invitation of the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs.»

Since the onset of the Ukraine invasion in 2022, North Korea has emerged as a crucial ally for Moscow, contributing thousands of troops and substantial arms shipments to assist Russian forces in their campaign against Ukraine, particularly in the southwestern Kursk region.

According to officials in Seoul, approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives, with thousands more injured while fighting alongside Russian troops.

In April, North Korea publicly acknowledged the deployment of its soldiers to support Russia’s military efforts, admitting that some had died in battle.

Subsequent state media broadcasts have depicted leader Kim Jong Un alongside flag-covered coffins of North Korean soldiers who fell while aiding Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.

This year, Russia’s security chief Sergei Shoigu has made several visits to Pyongyang, including last month, coinciding with the anniversary of a mutual defense agreement between the two countries.

Shoigu revealed plans for North Korea, which maintains a nuclear arsenal, to send construction workers and demining teams to the Kursk region soon.

The increase in high-level Russian official visits to North Korea is considered «highly unusual,» according to Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University, who spoke to AFP.

«The focal point of these engagements might revolve around the expected visit of Kim to Russia,» he remarked.