North Korea says one of Kim Jong-un’s closest aides, Jo Yong-won, arrives in Moscow for a high-level visit, with the trip reported by North Korean state media. The Korean Central News Agency says Jo, secretary of the Workers’ Party Central Committee, travels by private plane and leads a party and government delegation.
Multiple outlets link the visit to the recent deepening of ties between North Korea and Russia, following North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. Coverage describes the stated timing of the trip as reflecting growing alliance “friendship” and shared ideals between the two states.
Outlet emphasis differs in detail. One report notes that the delegation is invited by Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of Russia’s ruling United Russia party, and that Russian officials meet the delegation on arrival. Another outlet frames the story primarily through the North Korean state-media announcement and the basic diplomatic context, with less emphasis on Russia’s internal party figures.
