On Saturday, North Korean President Kim Jong-un hosted Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on an official visit to North Korea.
The meeting between Kim and Lavrov took place in the city of Wonsan, as confirmed by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A photo shared by the Ministry on its official X (formerly Twitter) account shows the two leaders smiling as they warmly shake hands.
Lavrov’s visit comes as Moscow and Pyongyang continue to strengthen their bilateral friendship.
North Korea is one of the few countries openly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has lasted four years. Pyongyang has reportedly sent thousands of troops and weapons that have helped Russian forces repel Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region.
British military intelligence estimates that at least 6,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the conflict so far.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s military intelligence believes that North Korea may be preparing to send more troops to Ukraine between this July and August.
Before meeting President Kim, Minister Lavrov had earlier held talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Son Hui.
Lavrov thanked North Korean leadership for sending “troops with exceptional combat expertise” to assist Russia in regaining its territories.
North Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Moscow in the ongoing war.
