This is a first since the closure of North Korea’s borders linked to the pandemic in 2020. Thursday, July 27, Kim Jong-un met the Russian Minister of Defense, Sergei Shoigu, in Pyongyang, on the occasion of the anniversary of the end of fighting between the two Koreas (1950-1953), state media announced. The Russians and a Chinese delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong arrived on Wednesday.

Kim Jong-un had “a friendly chat” with Sergei Shoigu, who presented him with “a signed letter” from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

Russia, a historic ally of North Korea, is one of the few nations with which Pyongyang maintains friendly relations. “Remembering with deep emotion the history of friendship between the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] and Russia, Kim Jong-un and Sergei Shoigu discussed issues of common concern in the field of national defense and security and the regional and international security environment,” Korea’s central news agency KCNA said.

According to the agency, “the interview took place in a cordial atmosphere brimming with militant friendship.”

The meeting “is an important opportunity to develop the strategic and traditional relations between the DPRK and Russia, as required by the new century,” KCNA said.

Sergei Shoigu also visited an arms exhibition where Kim Jong-un presented him with “new type weapons and equipment”, according to information from KCNA. The North Korean leader supports Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, including by supplying rockets and missiles, according to Washington.

During his visit, Kim Jong-un spoke to Sergei Shoigu “about the weapons and equipment that have been invented and produced” as part of North Korea’s national defense plan and “repeatedly expressed his belief that the Russian army and people will achieve great successes,” KCNA added.

Pyongyang on Thursday marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the July 27, 1953 Korean War armistice, which ended the fighting and is celebrated in the North as Victory Day. Satellite images indicate that North Korea is preparing for a large-scale military parade to celebrate the anniversary on Thursday.

This year marks the return after the pandemic of foreign guests for these celebrations, suggesting a relaxation of border controls.

Since the 1950-1953 war, concluded by an armistice in the absence of a peace treaty, the two Koreas are still officially at war.