Key Facts
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui on July 12.
• Meeting took place in Wonsan, Kangwon Province, North Korea.
• Discussions centered on the June 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.
• North Korea’s troop deployment to Ukraine was highlighted as strengthening bilateral ties.
• Lavrov described the relationship as “invincible fraternity.”
• Choe expressed unconditional support for Russia’s sovereignty and territorial policies.
• North Korea aligned with Russia’s justification of the Ukraine invasion as “self-defense.”
• Lavrov’s visit included a tour of the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area.
• Lavrov anticipated an increase in Russian tourists to North Korea.
• This meeting marked the second strategic dialogue since Choe’s Moscow visit in fall 2024.
Summary
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met in Wonsan, North Korea, on July 12 to discuss bilateral relations under the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. Both sides emphasized North Korea’s troop deployment to Ukraine as a key factor in strengthening ties, with Lavrov describing the relationship as “invincible fraternity.” Choe expressed full support for Russia’s policies, aligning with its justification of the Ukraine invasion as a “self-defense war.” Lavrov’s visit, which included a tour of the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, was notable for its focus on regional engagement and tourism. This meeting followed Choe’s 2024 visit to Moscow, marking the second round of strategic dialogue between the two nations.
