Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday thanked the North Korean authorities for their decision to send soldiers from the Korean People's Army to participate in the ‘liberation of the Kursk region,’ local media reported. During a meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choi Son-hui, President Putin expressed gratitude for Russia's support for the Joint Military Operation, Russia’s state-owned Tass news agency reported.
"I would like to once again express my gratitude for the support of our special military operation and for the decision to send soldiers from the Korean People's Army to participate in the liberation of the Kursk region," the head of state said. Choe left Pyongyang on her official plane to visit Russia at the invitation of her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
It did not disclose further details, including the purpose of the visit or her itinerary. Russia's foreign ministry announced Saturday (local time) that Choe had arrived in Moscow for an "official visit," without revealing other details, Yonhap News Agency reported.
It marks Choe's first trip to Russia since October, when she visited Moscow on a "working visit" and Belarus to attend a global security forum. Speculation has arisen that Choe is visiting Moscow to coordinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's potential trip to Russia, given the absence of major diplomatic events or anniversaries between the two countries.
North Korea and Russia have been deepening their ties since Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty in June 2024. Putin has invited Kim to visit Moscow for summit talks. Following the signing of the treaty, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine and has deepened bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Choe's trip also comes amid Pyongyang's efforts to strengthen its relations with China, the North's traditional ally and economic benefactor. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang last month for talks with the North's leader, and the two countries have recently bolstered high-level exchanges on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of their friendship treaty.