Russia's security chief pays 2nd trip to North Korea in less than 2 weeks

ANKARA

Russia’s top security official, Sergey Shoygu, arrived in Pyongyang to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Russian state media reported on Tuesday.

This is Shoygu's second trip to Pyongyang in less than two weeks, visiting last time on June 04, as this month marks the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership pact signed by the two sides last year.

The visit once again comes “at the instructions” of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Tass news agency.

Shoygu, who heads Russia’s Security Council, has made multiple trips to North Korea in recent months.

North Korea deployed thousands of soldiers to aid Russia in the war against Ukraine, following the signing of the partnership pact by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim in Pyongyang.

The pact requires extending military support in case either of the two is attacked by a third party.

*Writing by Aamir Latif