Russia's parliamentary speaker visits Pyongyang, KCNA says

SEOUL: Russia’s State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday to attend the opening ceremony of a newly built memorial for North Korean troops who died fighting in the Ukrainewar, North Korean state media KCNA reported on Sunday.

Jo Yong Won, chairman of the Standing Committee of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly, said Moscow’s sending a high-level delegation to the memorial’s opening ceremony reflected an expression of sincere appreciation and support by the Russian people, according to KCNA.

Speaking at the meeting with the Russian official, Jo said Volodin had expressed “sincere gratitude” to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his people for sending the soldiers to Kursk region to fight alongside Russian forces, according to KCNA.

The two leaders shared mutual interests and reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the agreements in the Russia-North Korea treaty, KCNA said, which were established during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in 2024.

North Korea’s Kim and Putin met in June 2024 and signed a comprehensive strategic treaty that includes a mutual defence pact.

The two countries had rapidly developed diplomatic and military ties since 2023.

The visit was reported by TASS.

Separately, on Saturday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a key unit of his army that is in charge of the western region of the country as well as a firing contest at the army to encourage soldiers and provide guidance, KCNA reported. His visit was to mark the anniversary of the foundation of the North Korean army, the state media said.