North Korea: The leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Mr. Kim Jong Un, has shown off the country’s latest weapons to the Russian Defence Minister, Mr. Sergei Shoigu. This was Mr. Shoigu’s first meeting with a foreign dignitary since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Kim and Mr. Shoigu have discussed “matters of mutual concern” that link to defence and regional security and viewed an exhibition of weapons, including ballistic missiles. The weapons on display included the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It is believed to be the country’s first ICBM to use solid propellants, which makes it quicker to launch than liquid-fuel ones.
The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that the meeting between the two men was an “important occasion in further developing the strategic and traditional DPRK-Russia relations as required by the new century.” Mr. Kim gave Mr. Shoigu a tour of a display of new weapons and military equipment, with pictures of the exhibition showing banned ballistic missiles, multi-axle transporter launchers,and a new drone.
The Defence Minister also gave Mr. Kim a letter from Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin. Mr. Shoigu’s visit coincides with North Korea’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the armistice that put an end to the fighting in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. A Chinese delegation, including Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Mr. Li Hongzhong, also visited Pyongyang for the celebration, as per the statement.
North Korea is supporting Russia in the war with Ukraine. Russia and China are among the very few countries that are supporting North Korea.
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