North Korea’s Public Security Minister and Russia’s Interior Minister recently met in Pyongyang to enhance their collaboration on law enforcement. The two ministers, Pang Tu-sop and Vladimir Kolokoltsev, exchanged insights and achievements in law enforcement practices. Discussions also revolved around expanding cooperation between their respective ministries, particularly in combating drug trafficking.
During the meeting, Kolokoltsev emphasized the severity of drug smuggling and proposed information sharing between the two countries to combat this issue effectively. He extended an invitation to Pang to visit Moscow and witnessed a shooting training session conducted by North Korean agents. The talks signify the growing alignment between Pyongyang and Moscow, especially after North Korea’s support for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.
The Russian delegation, led by Kolokoltsev, visited Pyongyang for a working session, where they signed a roadmap for delegation exchanges between 2026 and 2027. This agreement hints at increased visits and interactions between the two nations. Additionally, the upcoming completion of a road bridge over the Tumen River in June is expected to boost cross-border travel, potentially necessitating tighter public security measures to address border-related crimes like defections and trafficking.
Amidst speculations of a high-ranking Russian military official attending the opening of a memorial museum in Pyongyang honoring fallen North Korean soldiers from the Ukraine conflict, the two countries are poised to commemorate the first anniversary of the liberation of the Kursk region. The meeting underscores the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia across various sectors, including military, economic, and public security.
