Shoigu is expected to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The Russian Security Council said the two sides will discuss the implementation of several provisions of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and North Korea, as well as exchange views on international issues, including the situation in Ukraine.

On the sidelines of the international security conference in Moscow last week, Shoigu met with North Korea’s Minister of State Security Ri Chang Dae. Shoigu noted that the trustful relationship between the Russian and North Korean leaders reflects their shared desire to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in a complex international environment and promote bilateral political dialogue and practical cooperation.

2025 will see several major bilateral events, including a visit by Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin to Pyongyang in August to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, and a visit by Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of the United Russia party and Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, to attend the 80th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea in October.