Russian Defense Minister Visits North Korea for 70th Anniversary of Korean War End
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has led a delegation to North Korea, marking the first such visit since the country sealed its borders due to the pandemic.
The delegation will attend Pyongyang's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, which typically involve massive military parades.
The inclusion of Chinese and Russian envoys in the celebrations has led to speculation that Pyongyang may be loosening its Covid restrictions.
The move comes weeks after images of North Koreans walking without masks were shown on state media.
Shoigu received a warm welcome upon arriving at an airport in Pyongyang, where he was greeted by soldiers and a Russian-language banner.
The Chinese delegation, led by Li Hongzhong, is expected to arrive later on Wednesday.
Both China and Russia are long-time allies of North Korea and have supported the country in the past.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Russia over the Ukraine war, and frayed relations between China and the US over Taiwan.
The inclusion of Chinese and Russian envoys in the celebrations has led to speculation that Pyongyang may be loosening its Covid restrictions.
The move comes weeks after images of North Koreans walking without masks were shown on state media.
Shoigu received a warm welcome upon arriving at an airport in Pyongyang, where he was greeted by soldiers and a Russian-language banner.
The Chinese delegation, led by Li Hongzhong, is expected to arrive later on Wednesday.
Both China and Russia are long-time allies of North Korea and have supported the country in the past.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Russia over the Ukraine war, and frayed relations between China and the US over Taiwan.
