North Korea plans to dispatch military builders and sappers to assist with the reconstruction of certain areas in Russia’s southwestern Kursk region, following incursions by Ukraine, according to state media reports on Tuesday. This announcement came as Russian Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang.
Shoigu mentioned that North Korea would send “1,000 sappers to Russia to clear mines on its territory and 5,000 military construction personnel to aid in the rebuilding of infrastructure damaged by the occupiers,” a reference to Ukrainian forces.
He also noted that officials from both nations would collaborate in establishing war memorials “to honor the Korean soldiers who lost their lives in the battles for the liberation of Russian land.”
“In this context, discussions were held during the visit about creating a memorial complex with a museum in Pyongyang, with the involvement of the Russian side,” Shoigu stated, as reported by the state-run TASS news agency.
Since President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, North Korea has become a significant ally for Russia. Reports indicate that North Korea has sent military supplies to Russia, and last year, it deployed thousands of troops to assist Moscow against Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region.
Shoigu, who has previously held the position of Russia’s Defense Minister, “traveled to Pyongyang on a special mission” from Putin, according to the press service of the Security Council. He is set to engage in discussions with the North Korean leadership as part of the implementation of agreements made during a prior visit on June 4.
State media broadcast footage of the Security Council chief arriving in the North Korean capital, where he was warmly welcomed with an embrace from Kim before the two engaged in talks.
Earlier this month, Shoigu met with Kim and other high-ranking military officials. Both parties committed to enhancing what North Korean state media referred to as “strong and comprehensive strategic partnership relations.”
Shoigu also visited North Korea in March. He indicated to state media that his recent trips to the reclusive nation are tied to the “swift execution” of a strategic partnership agreement signed by Moscow and Pyongyang the previous year, which includes mutual defense provisions.
“The pace at which the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement is being put into action necessitates ongoing attention, timely adjustments, and decision-making at all levels,” the Security Council chief remarked.
Reporting contributed by AFP.
