North Korea to Send Military Builders, Deminers to Russia

North Korea will dispatch military builders and deminers to Russia’s Kursk region to aid reconstruction after Ukraine’s military actions. This decision follows talks between Sergei Shoigu and Kim Jong Un, further strengthening the alliance between the two countries during the ongoing conflict.

In a significant move, North Korea has agreed to send military builders and deminers to assist Russia in the Kursk region, following measures taken in response to Ukraine’s military actions. This announcement came from Russian news agencies on June 17 during a visit by Sergei Shoigu, the head of Russia’s Security Council, who is reportedly holding discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This marks Shoigu’s second visit to Pyongyang in less than two weeks.

Over the last three years, North Korea has increasingly aligned itself with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This new assistance entails sending a division of builders and two military brigades, totaling around 5,000 personnel, along with an additional 1,000 deminers. Shoigu characterized this move as a gesture of “fraternal assistance” from Kim Jong Un and North Korea.

According to TASS, an agreement was reached that promised ongoing constructive cooperation between the two nations. North Korea’s state media reported that the meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere, with Kim affirming a commitment to enhanced collaboration, although specific details were notably absent.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) indicated that discussions revolved around immediate and long-term cooperative opportunities. Key points discussed stemmed from correspondence exchanged between the leaders of North Korea and Russia over recent weeks. It is important to note that last year, the two nations formalized military relations through a sweeping agreement, which included mutual defense clauses, coinciding with President Putin’s rare visit to North Korea.

In addition to providing military aid, North Korea has been supporting Russia’s operations in Ukraine by supplying military resources. Following a meeting in early June, Kim and Shoigu expressed a desire to expand their relationship into a robust partnership, aiming to strengthen ties significantly in the face of international tensions and conflicts.

In summary, North Korea’s decision to send military builders and deminers to Russia highlights the deepening ties between the two nations as they seek to enhance their cooperation amid ongoing global tensions. The agreement underscores a mutual commitment to support each other strategically, especially regarding military efforts and reconstruction in affected regions.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com