The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is preparing to send thousands of military builders and deminers to Russia’s western Kursk region to aid in restoration efforts after recent attacks. The move comes as a sign of strengthening ties between the two nations amidst ongoing global tensions.
Sergei Shoigu, the head of Russia’s Security Council, announced the plan during his visit to Pyongyang, marking his second meeting with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in less than two weeks. “An agreement was also reached on continuing constructive cooperation,” Shoigu was quoted by the TASS news agency.
According to Shoigu, the DPRK will dispatch “a division of builders, two military brigades – 5,000 people” alongside 1,000 deminers to the Kursk region. He described this initiative as “a kind of fraternal assistance from the Korean people and leader Kim Jong Un to our country.”
The DPRK’s state media highlighted that the meeting unfolded in a “congenial atmosphere of friendship and trust.” Although specific details remain undisclosed, Kim confirmed plans for further cooperation between the two countries.
Discussions between Kim and Shoigu focused on “items of immediate cooperation” and “long-term plans” to carry out “important matters agreed by the heads of states of the two countries through the exchanges of personal letters for several weeks,” according to the Korean Central News Agency.
This collaboration signifies a deepening relationship between the DPRK and Russia, potentially impacting the geopolitical landscape as both nations navigate challenges posed by international sanctions and diplomatic pressures.
