Russian Defence Minister Visits North Korea, Gets Engaged In An Array Of Events.

Pyongyang; April 2026: Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. During the talks the sides discussed the state and prospects of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

“We have agreed with the North Korean Defence Ministry to transfer military cooperation to a sustainable long-term basis. We are ready to sign this year a Plan of Russian-Korean Military Cooperation for the period 2027-2031”, Andrei Belousov said during the talks. He further stated that it was a great honour for him to meet with the leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Russian Defence Minister thanked Kim Jong Un for the traditionally warm welcome extended to the Russian delegation in Pyongyang.

According to Andrei Belousov, “Russian-Korean interstate relations are at an unprecedentedly high level. This year promises to be no less intense in terms of bilateral contacts in a number of areas”, the Russian Defence Minister noted, while further adding, that the Russian Defence Ministry highly appreciates the decision of the DPRK leader to invite a Russian military delegation to the opening of the museum and memorial complex of the military exploits of Korean servicemen in a foreign military operation. “It is a great honour and privilege for us to take part in this historic event”, said Andrey Belousov.

During his visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov presented Orders of Courage to the Korean People’s Army’s servicemen who showed bravery and heroism in carrying out missions to liberate the Kursk region. “At the invitation of General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea Kim Jong Un, and on behalf of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin we have gathered in this hall to pay our deepest respect to those who have proved their boundless devotion to the Motherland, military duty and oath”, said the Russian Defence Minister.

According to him, today is a day to honour the true heroes of our time, those who are the elite of the North Korean armed forces, their pride and solid support. “In all periods of history, the security and sovereignty of the state have leaned on the strong shoulders of its defenders. Courage, bravery and willingness to stand as an indestructible wall on the path of any threats have always distinguished Korean warriors. And today, looking at you, we can say with confidence: the glorious traditions of legendary ancestors, traditions of valor and honour are in safe hands”, the Russian Defence Minister stressed.

He highlighted that the presentation of state awards is not just a recognition of the professionalism of the KPA military personnel. “Behind every order there is the hardest military labour, sleepless nights, and a tremendous strain of spiritual and physical strength. Willingness to sacrifice oneself for the sake of completing the task and saving the lives of comrades. You acted in the most difficult conditions, demonstrating not only brilliant skills, but also a true grit. Your bravery and assertiveness have greatly contributed to our common success. I would like to express my deep gratitude from the entire Russian people and from myself personally for the assistance provided”, said the Russian Defence Minister.

In turn, the DPRK Defence Minister expressed gratitude to the Russian comrades for appreciating the merits and exploits performed by the KPA servicemen during the foreign military operation.

In Pyongyang, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, as part of the official delegation of the Russian Federation, took part in the opening ceremony of a museum and memorial complex dedicated to the feat of the heroes of a foreign military operation. During the ceremony, the head of the Russian military department, together with DPRK Defence Minister Army General No Kwang-chol, in the presence of Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin and Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un.

The Russian delegation visited the museum, an exhibition of trophy weapons and military hardware and laid flowers at the commemorative plaque with the names of North Korean servicemen who died performing combat tasks. After the opening ceremony, a tribute concert was held on the territory of the museum and memorial complex, during which songs in Korean and Russian languages were performed.

Team Maverick.