Strengthening Ties: Putin Meets North Korean Official in Moscow

On February 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean official Ri Hi-yong in Moscow, expressing gratitude for North Korea’s support of Russia. This meeting illustrates the strengthening ties between the two countries, which include North Korea sending troops to assist Russian forces in Ukraine according to various assessments.

The state news agency of North Korea, KCNA, reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin met with a senior official from North Korea, Ri Hi-yong, in Moscow on February 27. Mr. Ri is a member of the Central Committee Politburo of North Korea’s Workers’ Party and serves as the Secretary of the party’s Central Committee. During the meeting, Mr. Putin expressed appreciation for North Korea’s active support of Russia, signaling a strengthening partnership between the two nations.

Assessments from Ukrainian, US, and South Korean sources indicate that North Korea has stationed thousands of troops to bolster Russian military efforts in Ukraine. This deployment highlights the increasingly collaborative relationship between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the context of ongoing international tensions.

The meeting between President Putin and North Korean official Ri Hi-yong underscores the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia, marked by North Korea’s military support for Russian operations in Ukraine. This development reflects a significant deepening of cooperation amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com