Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu Discuss Enhanced North Korea-Russia Strategic Dialogue

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu, discussing strategic dialogue and mutual safety interests. Both nations aim to deepen cooperation amidst ongoing accusations from the U.S. and Ukraine that North Korea is aiding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The meeting symbolizes a strategic partnership between the two nations.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu to discuss enhancing the strategic dialogue between the two nations, according to state media KCNA on Saturday.

The discussions encompassed a wide range of views on regional and international matters, achieving a consensus on various issues, including increased cooperation to defend mutual safety interests, KCNA reported. Kim emphasized the continuation of expanding cooperation with Russia under their strategic partnership.

The United States, Ukraine, and independent analysts assert that Kim supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine by supplying rockets and missiles in exchange for economic and military aid. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these accusations but have committed to boosting military cooperation, signing a comprehensive strategic partnership at a June summit.

Shoigu, Russia's former defense minister and now Security Council secretary, indicated the start of closer ties between North Korea and Russia with his visit to Pyongyang in July last year. He stood beside Kim during North Korea's military parade featuring nuclear-capable missiles and attack drones, marking the first visit by a Russian defense official since the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991.

(With inputs from agencies.)