Russian defense minister, North Korean leader meet in Pyongyang

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov on Sunday held talks in Pyongyang with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Belousov and Kim discussed the state and prospects of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"We have agreed with the Ministry of Defense of the DPRK to place military cooperation on a stable, long-term basis. We are ready to sign this year the Plan for Russian-Korean Military Interaction for the period 2027–2031," Belousov said.

The minister noted that "it was a great honor" for him to meet Kim and thanked him "for the traditionally warm reception" given to the Russian delegation in Pyongyang.

"Russian-Korean interstate relations are at an unprecedentedly high level," Belousov said. "The current year promises to be no less eventful in terms of bilateral contacts across a number of areas."

The minister added that Moscow highly values the North Korean leader's decision to invite the Russian military delegation to the opening of the museum and memorial complex dedicated to the combat feats of Korean military personnel overseas.

"It is a great honor and privilege for us to take part in this historic event," he said.

Following the meeting with Kim, Belousov held talks with North Korean Defense Minister No Gwang-chol, the ministry said in a separate statement.

They also attended a ceremony to present awards, where Belousov bestowed Russian Orders of Courage on servicemen of the Korean People's Army (KPA) who fought on the Russian side to liberate the Kursk region from the Ukrainian invasion.

The Russian military official emphasized that the awarding of state decorations is not just recognition of the professionalism of KPA servicemen.

"Behind every order lies the hardest military labor, sleepless nights, and a colossal strain of spiritual and physical strength — a readiness to sacrifice oneself for the sake of accomplishing the assigned mission and saving the lives of comrades in arms," he said.

According to him, North Korean soldiers operated in the most difficult conditions, "demonstrating not only brilliant training but also an iron will."

"Your bravery and determination greatly contributed to the achievement of our shared success. I express immense gratitude from the entire Russian people and personally for the assistance provided," he said.

In turn, No Gwang-chol expressed gratitude to Russia for the recognition of the feats and merits accomplished by KPA servicemen during the foreign military operation.