North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in his first known meeting with a foreign dignitary since the Covid-19 pandemic. Kim and Shoigu discussed “matters of mutual concern” related to defence and regional security and viewed an exhibition of weapons including ballistic missiles, North Korean state media reported on Thursday. Shoigu also gave Kim a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the KCNA said. Kim thanked Putin for sending a delegation led by Shoigu, who also held talks with North Korean Defence Minister Kang Sun Nam. The administration of US President Joe Biden has accused the Kim regime of providing weapons to Russian forces in Ukraine, which Pyongyang has denied.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 27, 2023 14:44 UTC