North Korea welcomes Russian defence minister for Korean War celebrations

SEOUL – North Korea has extended a warm welcome to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his delegation, as they arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday evening, according to state media reports.

This marks the first known visit by foreign dignitaries to North Korea since the country’s border closure due to the pandemic.

The visit comes ahead of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the July 27, 1953 Korean War armistice, which is celebrated as Victory Day in North Korea.

At Pyongyang International Airport, the Russian national anthem played, and flags of North Korea and Russia fluttered to greet Shoigu and his delegation.

Hundreds of uniformed Korean People’s Army soldiers lined the airport, holding signs to welcome the Russian visitors.

The visit underscores the historic ties between Russia and Pyongyang, as Russia remains one of the few nations with friendly relations with the reclusive state.

Despite international tensions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has continued to show support for Russia, particularly regarding its invasion of Ukraine, including alleged supplies of rockets and missiles.

North Korea-Russia relationship under scrutiny

Political analysts see the presence of the Russian and Chinese delegations at the anniversary events as a potential “strong unified message” to the United States.

However, it is noteworthy that the inclusion of foreign guests is a post-pandemic first for North Korea, signalling a possible change in its approach to border controls.

China will also send a delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong, which is expected to arrive in Pyongyang later on Wednesday.

This suggests that the delegation will not be subjected to extensive quarantine measures ahead of the Victory Day celebrations on Thursday.

North Korea has maintained strict self-imposed border controls since early 2020 to protect itself from COVID-19, prohibiting even its own nationals from entering or leaving the country.

However, some trade with China resumed last year, and new Chinese envoy Wang Yajun was allowed to take up his position in Pyongyang this year, becoming the first diplomat known to have entered North Kor-ea since the border closure.

Amid the pandemic, Russia’s ambassador to Pyongyang, Alexander Matsegora, has remained in Pyongyang, maintaining a presence even as other foreign missions reduced their staff or closed their doors.

The inclusion of foreign delegations at the Korean War anniversary celebrations indicates a potential shift in North Korea’s border policy and a willingness to engage with other nations despite its previous isolation.