Kremlin: Relations with North Korea, Including 'Sensitive Areas,' to Further Develop

Putin-Cho Son-hui Foreign Ministers' Meeting Details Shared
"Discussion on Korean Peninsula Situation, Focus on Developing North Korea-Russia Relations"

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his intention to develop relations with North Korea in all areas, including "sensitive sectors," during a meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) warmly shakes hands with Choe Son Hui, North Korean Foreign Minister, who visited the Moscow Kremlin on the 16th (local time).
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

According to Yonhap News on the 17th, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, conveyed the content of the meeting between President Putin and Foreign Minister Choe held the previous day during a briefing, stating, "We generally discussed bilateral relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and exchanged views on the most urgent international issues." He added, "The main focus was on the development of bilateral relations."

He emphasized, "We have repeatedly said that North Korea is a very important partner for us and are willing to say it again," adding, "We want to further develop relations in all areas, including sensitive sectors."

Earlier, the Kremlin announced the fact that President Putin and Foreign Minister Choe met but did not disclose the details of their conversation. After meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the day, Foreign Minister Choe visited the Kremlin in the evening to brief President Putin on the talks. It is presumed that President Putin's visit schedule to North Korea was discussed at this meeting, but Peskov did not comment on this matter. Foreign Minister Choe, who arrived in Moscow on the 14th, is expected to complete her visit schedule in Russia by this day.