In a notable display of camaraderie and geopolitical significance, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted Russia’s defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, and a Chinese delegation, including a high-ranking Politburo member, during a defense exhibition in Seoul, South Korea. The exhibition featured North Korea’s banned ballistic missiles, which had been restricted by U.N. Security Council resolutions with the backing of Russia and China. This joint gathering symbolized the unity among the three countries in their shared rivalry with the United States.
The visit by Shoigu holds historical significance as he became the first Russian defense minister to visit North Korea since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This event also marked a major step for North Korea in opening up to the world following the period of isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.
During the visit, Shoigu presented Kim with a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, conveying warm regards and strengthening the “strategic and traditional” relations between North Korea and Russia. Kim expressed gratitude for the military delegation led by Shoigu, emphasizing the shared goals of safeguarding sovereignty, promoting development, and protecting mutual interests from imperialist interventions. The North Korean leader also expressed confidence in Russia’s future successes in its quest to build a formidable nation.
While North Korean media did not directly mention the conflict in Ukraine, the country’s defense minister, Kang Sun Nam, reportedly expressed full support for Russia’s pursuit of justice and the protection of its sovereignty.
During the visit, Kim guided Shoigu through an exhibition showcasing new weapons and military equipment. State media photographs depicted Kim and his guests observing some of the North’s ballistic missiles displayed on multi-axle transporter launchers, along with a glimpse of a possible new drone.”
Please note that as an AI language model, I do not have access to real-time events, so the information provided here may not reflect the current situation if there have been developments after my last update in September 2021