North Korea s Kim vows unconditional support for Russia in meeting with Shoigu

SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Russias Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu on June 4, state media KCNA reported.

Mr Kim pledged unconditional support for Russias position on Ukraine and other international issues, the report said on June 5.

Kim Jong Un affirmed that the government of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea will, in the future, too, unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies, it said, using the Norths official name.

North Korea has become one of Russia’s main allies during Moscow’s more than three-year-long Ukraine offensive, sending thousands of troops to help the Kremlin oust Ukrainian forces from its Kursk border region.

Pyongyang is also arming Russia, according to various reports.

“Sergei Shoigu was received by the Chairman of State Affairs of (North Korea),Kim Jong Un,” said Russia’s embassy in Pyongyang, adding that they “exchanged views on the situation around the Ukrainian crisis and the Korean peninsula”.

It said talks took place “in an atmosphere of friendly mutual understanding”.

KCNA said Mr Shoigu thanked Mr Kim for sending North Korean troops to fight alongside Russian forces trying to retake the Kursk region from Ukrainian control.

Both sides said they wanted to expand and develop Russia-North Korea ties into “the powerful and comprehensive relations of strategic partnership”, KCNA said.

KCNA, quoting Mr Kim, also said North Korea will responsibly observe the articles of the treaty between the two countries.

The two men also discussed strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and mutual cooperation in different fields.

The treaty was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to Pyongyang in 2024 and a summit with North Koreas Mr Kim, and includes a mutual defence pact for immediate military assistance if either faces armed aggression.

During his visit, Mr Shoigu also met with