The Kremlin has confirmed that there is no planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui during her visit to Russia this week. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on September 18 that President Putin is not expected to meet the North Korean diplomat, despite her presence in the country for a series of international forums.
“No meeting with Putin is on her agenda this week,” Peskov said in response to questions regarding whether Choe Son Hui would be visiting Moscow or holding talks with the Russian leader. Peskov did not elaborate on the reasons for the absence of a meeting between the two leaders but redirected inquiries about Choe’s potential engagements with other officials, particularly Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Choe Son Hui’s Trip to Russia
Choe Son Hui, North Korea’s top diplomat, departed for Russia earlier this week to participate in significant international events, namely the fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum and the BRICS Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg, scheduled to take place from September 18 to 20. These events are expected to bring together female leaders from across the globe to discuss key issues related to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and international cooperation.
Her departure for Russia was confirmed by the Russian embassy in Pyongyang, which announced that she left for Vladivostok, a major city in Russia’s Far East, on Monday, September 16. Russian Ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, accompanied her as she embarked on her journey. Choe is expected to attend the forums and possibly engage in diplomatic discussions with other international counterparts present at the gatherings.
The Eurasian Women’s Forum, hosted in St. Petersburg, is a platform that promotes collaboration on gender and social issues, and it has been attended by various global political leaders since its inception. The BRICS Women’s Forum, on the other hand, aligns with the broader BRICS objectives of strengthening economic and political ties among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. North Korea’s interest in participating in such forums signals a potential desire for increased engagement with the international community, particularly with Russia, an important strategic ally.
Diplomatic Context
While Choe’s visit to Russia may not include a meeting with President Putin, the timing of her trip has piqued international curiosity due to the evolving geopolitical situation in the region. North Korea and Russia have maintained a relationship characterized by mutual support, particularly in the face of increasing international isolation. However, high-level diplomatic exchanges between the two countries have remained relatively limited in recent years.
Earlier in 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia’s eastern regions and held talks with Putin, underscoring the importance of their partnership. Russia has consistently sought to bolster its alliances in the Asia-Pacific region, and North Korea remains a key ally, particularly amid increasing tensions with the West over issues such as nuclear arms control, sanctions, and trade.
Potential Meetings with Sergey Lavrov
Although a meeting with President Putin is not on Choe Son Hui’s agenda, speculation remains about possible discussions with her Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Peskov, when asked about such a possibility, deferred to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No official statement has yet been made confirming whether Lavrov and Choe will meet during her visit.
If a meeting between Lavrov and Choe were to take place, it could signal a strengthening of diplomatic relations between Russia and North Korea. Such discussions could touch on a wide range of topics, including regional security issues, economic cooperation, and coordination within multilateral organizations like the United Nations.
Strategic Alliances
Russia’s continued outreach to North Korea comes at a time when both nations face increasing pressure from the international community. Russia remains embroiled in conflict with Ukraine, while North Korea continues to face sanctions and diplomatic isolation due to its nuclear program. Their mutual need for allies, both economically and politically, has brought them closer, and although the absence of a Putin-Choe meeting may suggest a measured approach to their relationship, the strategic importance of their ties cannot be underestimated.
As Choe participates in the forums in St. Petersburg, the international community will be watching closely for any signs of further cooperation between North Korea and Russia, especially in areas like defense, technology, and trade. The visit may also provide insight into how North Korea seeks to position itself in the evolving geopolitical landscape of Eurasia.
