Russian FM thanks North Korea for supporting Moscow's war in Ukraine

Russia's foreign minister has thanked North Korea for supporting his country's war effort in Ukraine, according to news reports on Thursday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Photo: PAP/ITAR-TASS/Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

During a visit to Pyongyang, Sergei Lavrov also pledged Moscow's "complete support and solidarity" for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the Reuters news agency reported, citing Russia's foreign ministry.

The foreign ministers of Russia and North Korea are meeting in Pyongyang for talks expected to focus on how to boost their military ties. https://t.co/XLlG0tuyhc

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 19, 2023

Lavrov was holding talks in Pyongyang to set the stage for a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to media reports.

Korea Północna zacieśnia współpracę z Rosją https://t.co/ANKCtu7TDB

— PolskieRadio24.pl (@PR24_pl) October 19, 2023

Speaking at a reception on Wednesday, Lavrov said that Moscow "deeply" valued Pyongyang's "unwavering and principled support" for Russia in its war in Ukraine, Reuters reported.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov thanks North Korea for its support for Russia’s war on Ukraine, days after the U.S. said the North had transferred munitions to Russia to strengthen its warfighting capabilities. https://t.co/oqkLE9vFQt

— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 19, 2023

North Korea's Kim last month made a rare trip to Russia during which he invited Putin to visit Pyongyang in the near future, according to reports at the time.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.

Thursday is day 603 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, polskieradio24.pl