► Meeting between the heads of Russian and North Korean diplomacy
The heads of Russian and North Korean diplomacy, Sergei Lavrov and Choe Son Hui, began a meeting in Moscow on Friday, November 1, at a time when the West is denouncing the sending of North Korean soldiers near Ukraine, announced the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Very close contacts have been established between the military and security services of the two countries. This helps resolve important issues for the safety of our citizens and yours”declared the Russian minister, Sergei Lavrov, receiving his counterpart.
“There is no doubt that under the wise leadership of the distinguished Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian army and people will achieve a great victory (…) We reaffirm that we will always stand firmly alongside our comrades Russians until Victory Day »said Choe Son Hui., according to a Russian translation of his remarks.
The head of North Korean diplomacy also indicated that her country would strengthen its nuclear arsenal.
► Russia: a former Russian employee of an American consulate sentenced
A former employee of the American consulate in Vladivostok, in the Russian Far East, was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison for “secret collaboration with a foreign state”announced Russian agencies.
Russia announced on September 14, 2023 the expulsion of two American diplomats, accused of having served as agents of « liaison » for Robert Shonov, a former Russian employee of the American consulate in Vladivostok.
He was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of passing secret information on the conflict in Ukraine to the United States in exchange for money.
► Beijing does not consider itself concerned by relations between Pyongyang and Moscow
China has said the rapprochement between Pyongyang and Moscow does not concern it, after Washington warned that up to 8,000 North Korean troops were training in Russia and ready to fight with Ukraine.
“North Korea and Russia are two independent states. How they develop their relationships concerns them,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
