| | OCTOBER 20249IN FOCUSNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un has met with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia's Security Council, in Pyongyang to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two nations, North Korean state media reported on Saturday. The meeting coincided with the first anniversary of the rare summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Amur region last year.During their talks on Friday, Kim and Shoigu engaged in a 'wide exchange of views' on strengthening the strategic dialogue between North Korea and Russia, emphasizing mutual security interests. The discussions also covered the regional and international situation, with both sides reportedly reaching a 'satisfactory consensus' on the matters at hand, according to North Korean news agency KCNA.Kim reaffirmed his commitment to expanding cooperation with Russia, highlighting that the bilateral relationship in politics, economy, and culture had been developing dynamically since his summit with Putin in June. The North Korean leader also vowed to continue building on the partnership, grounded in the spirit of the comprehensive partnership treaty signed by both leaders during their June meeting. This treaty includes a mutual defense clause, reflecting the growing military ties between the two countries.Russia's Security Council confirmed the talks, noting that Shoigu had discussed various bilateral and international issues with North Korean officials, which would contribute significantly to implementing the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.The treaty, signed during Putin's June visit to North Korea, underscores mutual military support in the event of a contingency, further solidifying the defense cooperation between the two nations. North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister issued a statement marking the first anniversary of the Vostochny summit, reiterating the nation's commitment to maintaining and developing its strategic partnership with Russia on a permanent basis.The meeting between Kim and Shoigu comes amid allegations from the U.S. that Pyongyang is supplying military equipment and ammunition to Russia in support of its invasion of Ukraine. In return, North Korea is reportedly seeking military technology and energy resources from Moscow. N. KOREAN LEADER KIM JONG-UN MEETS RUSSIAN SECURITY CHIEF TO DEEPEN BILATERAL TIES
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