"Russian Company to Import North Korean Beer"... Accelerating North Korea-Russia Closer Ties

Recently Sent 24 Horses and 400 Goats
Russian Horse Orlov Trotter Known as Kim Jong-un's Favorite Horse

A company in Russia's Far East region has been granted permission to import North Korean beer, major foreign media reported on the 4th (local time).

According to reports, the Russian local media RBC Business reported that a company called 'Vostokbirtrade,' which completed business registration last June in Komsomolsk-na-Amur, a city in Khabarovsk Krai of the Russian Far Eastern Federal District, has been allowed to import North Korean beer.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Earlier, the domestic North Korea-specialized media Daily NK also reported last month, citing sources, that North Korea recently increased beer production as a means of earning foreign currency. Foreign media noted, "This beer export took place amid UN sanctions on North Korea's trade activities," adding, "Currently, the United States and South Korea believe that North Korea is supplying Russia with large quantities of shells and ballistic missiles for use in the war with Ukraine."

The exchange of gifts between Russia and North Korea is not unprecedented. Previously, Russian authorities exported 24 Orlov Trotter horses implanted with microchips to North Korea last month, and recently sent over 400 goats. The Orlov Trotter is known as the 'favorite horse' of Kim Jong-un, Chairman of North Korea's State Affairs Commission.

The unprecedented close relationship between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns among the international community, including the United States. On June 24, Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, who visited Pyongyang for the first time in 24 years, held a summit with Chairman Kim Jong-un and signed a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.' The agreement includes a clause that if either North Korea or Russia is subjected to armed invasion, the other will promptly provide military assistance.

Meanwhile, Natalya Naboychenko, Minister of Tourism of Primorsky Krai, Russia, told TASS news agency the day before, "Since February, about 600 tourists have visited North Korea through travel agencies in Primorsky Krai in just six months." Russia has been sending group tourists to North Korea since February. This is the first time North Korea has accepted foreign tourists since it closed its borders in January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.