North Korea"s Foreign Minister visits Russia amid military ties

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui embarked on a trip to Russia to attend the Eurasian Women's Forum and the BRICS Women's Forum from September 17 to 19, 2023. This visit marks her second trip to Russia this year, following a January meeting with President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the growing ties between the two nations amid international scrutiny. The Russian Embassy in Pyongyang confirmed her travel on a commercial flight, emphasizing the cultural programs she would participate in during her stay. The relationship between North Korea and Russia has strengthened significantly since the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, with both countries engaging in high-level exchanges. In June, Kim Jong Un and Putin signed a mutual defense treaty, further solidifying their military cooperation. Reports indicate that North Korea has been supplying munitions to Russia, a claim that Pyongyang has denied, while South Korean intelligence suggests that thousands of shipping containers suspected of carrying arms have been sent to Russia since mid-2022. In return, North Korea is believed to be receiving advanced technology for its missile and space programs, which is crucial for its economy. The military aid provided by North Korea to Russia has reportedly intensified hostilities in Ukraine, posing significant challenges for Ukrainian forces. U.S. officials have expressed deep concern regarding the expanding security relationship between the two nations, particularly regarding the implications for the Korean Peninsula. Choe's visit follows a recent trip by Sergei Shoigu, head of Russia's Security Council, to Pyongyang, where discussions focused on deepening strategic dialogue and mutual security interests. This ongoing collaboration between North Korea and Russia reflects their shared isolation and the geopolitical shifts resulting from the conflict in Ukraine.