A delegation of elite military training officials from North Korea has embarked on a visit to Russia, as reported by the North’s state media on Tuesday. This marks the first military exchange between the two nations since their leaders signed an agreement to enhance military cooperation.
The delegation, led by Kim Geum Chol, the president of Kim Il Sung Military University, departed for Russia on Monday, according to the KCNA state news agency. The details of the visit, including its purpose and specific destinations within Russia, were not disclosed.
Kim Il Sung Military University, named after North Korea’s founding leader, is a premier institution for training the country’s elite military officers. Notably, the current leader, Kim Jong Un, attended this university after his studies in Switzerland.
This visit is the latest in a series of high-level exchanges between North Korea and Russia over the past year. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang, further solidifying the relationship between the two nations. During their summit, Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” treaty, which included a mutual defense agreement described by Kim as an alliance.
The growing military ties between North Korea and Russia have raised concerns in Seoul and Washington. Officials in these capitals state North Korean weapons allegedly being used by Russia in Ukraine, and suspect that Pyongyang might be receiving unspecified support from Moscow. Both North Korea and Russia deny any such arms transactions.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is set to attend a NATO summit in Washington this week, has warned Moscow that its close relationship with Pyongyang could negatively impact the previously active economic ties between South Korea and Russia.
