A high-level meeting on military cooperation between Russia and North Korea took place in Pyongyang. During this, an agreement was reached to enhance strategic relations. Immediately after the meeting, North Korea launched a ballistic missile, raising concerns about regional security.
World News: The war between Russia and Ukraine continues, and amidst this, military cooperation between North Korea and Russia appears to be rapidly strengthening. A significant meeting was held this week in Pyongyang between senior military officials of both countries, where discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation. According to North Korea's state news agency, these talks occurred at a time when both nations have grown closer on issues related to the Ukraine war.
Representatives of Both Countries Present at the Meeting
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea's delegation was led by Pak Yong Il, Deputy Director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army. Meanwhile, Russia's military delegation was led by Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin. The report stated that the talks emphasized further strengthening the progress made in relations between the two countries under the leadership of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
South Korea's intelligence agency recently claimed in a closed-door meeting with parliament members that there has been an increase in war-related recruitment and training activities in North Korea. It is believed that North Korea could provide additional troops and military aid to Russia for the Ukraine war. This claim indicates that cooperation between the two countries is no longer limited to just political or diplomatic levels.
North Korea Launched Ballistic Missile After Meeting
Shortly after the talks concluded, North Korea launched a ballistic missile towards its eastern sea area. South Korea's military confirmed this incident. However, it has not yet been clarified what type of missile was launched or how far it traveled. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff has not yet shared further details. This missile test comes at a time when security tensions already persist in the region.
International Concern Over Growing Cooperation
The increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is raising international concerns. The United States and South Korea have previously accused North Korea of supplying weapons and ammunition to Russia for use in the Ukraine war. Both countries, however, have denied these claims. Now, the meeting of military officials and the missile test have further deepened fears that the security balance in the region could be severely impacted.
