Death of Alexander Matsegora, Russian Ambassador to North Korea
Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, sent a message of condolence to President Vladimir Putin regarding the death of Alexander Matsegora, Russian Ambassador to North Korea, expressing his deepest sympathies.
On December 9, the Korean Central News Agency reported that in his message, Chairman Kim expressed "deep condolences and sympathy to Comrade Putin, the leadership of the Russian Federation, and the bereaved family on behalf of the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and in his own name."
Chairman Kim described Ambassador Matsegora as "a close friend and comrade of the Korean people who devoted his entire life over the past 30 years to developing the friendship between North Korea and Russia." He added, "The journey that has strengthened and developed North Korea-Russia relations into the solid alliance they are today is marked by Comrade Matsegora's tireless dedication and passion in upholding the will and intentions of the leaders of both countries."
He continued, "It is truly heartbreaking to lose Ambassador Matsegora so unexpectedly at a time when the development of relations between the two countries has entered a significant historical phase. This is a great loss not only for the Russian government and people, but also for myself and our people."
On the same day, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui also sent a message of condolence to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In her message, Minister Choe recalled Ambassador Matsegora as "a versatile and seasoned diplomat who made outstanding contributions to further solidifying the path toward a century- and millennium-long future of bilateral friendship and cooperation, faithfully carrying out the noble intentions of the leaders of North Korea and Russia." She added, "He will be forever remembered as a precious role model for new generations of diplomats, alongside the history of friendship between the two countries."
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement on December 8 (local time) that Ambassador Matsegora had died at the age of 70 on December 6, but did not mention the cause of death.
Ambassador Matsegora began his career at the Russian Embassy in North Korea as First Secretary in 1999, later serving as Minister-Counselor and other posts before being appointed Ambassador to North Korea in December 2014. Serving as Ambassador from January 2015 for ten years, Matsegora recently played a key role as a bridge between Russia and North Korea as the two countries have drawn closer.
In particular, during the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory in World War II held in May, he demonstrated his close relationship by exchanging a cheek kiss and whispering with Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae.
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