A notable development in diplomatic exchanges between North Korea and Russia has emerged, as a delegation led by a senior agricultural official from Pyongyang embarks on a visit to Russia, as reported by the North's official KCNA news agency on Sunday. Vice Premier Ri Chol Man, heading the Agricultural Commission delegation, departed for Russia on Saturday, with the Russian ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, emphasizing the substantial nature of Ri's itinerary in a Facebook post.
This visit underscores the burgeoning ties between the two nations, which have notably strengthened following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia's far east in September and subsequent summit with President Vladimir Putin. Kim's emphasis on enhancing agricultural productivity, expressed at a pivotal Workers' Party meeting in December, reflects North Korea's persistent struggle with food shortages exacerbated by UN sanctions and natural calamities.
Ri's prominence within the agricultural sector was underscored by his promotion to chairman of the Agricultural Commission during the Workers' Party gathering. Against the backdrop of these diplomatic exchanges, both countries have witnessed an uptick in reciprocal visits and engagements, as reported by North Korean state media.
However, concerns have been raised by US and South Korean officials regarding the nature of the growing cooperation, particularly with regards to potential military collaboration. Allegations of North Korea exporting weapons to Russia for use in the conflict in Ukraine have been vehemently denied by both Moscow and Pyongyang, even as both nations affirm their commitment to deepening ties across various spheres.
