The Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday that "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday and took him on a tour of a defense exhibition held to celebrate the anniversary of the war, showcasing newly developed weapons and military equipment." It noted that "Shoigu delivered a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kim. In turn, Kim thanked Putin for sending a military delegation to his country led by Shoigu, pointing out that 'the meeting deepened the strategic and traditional ties between North Korea and Russia.'"
The Russian and Chinese delegations, including Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, arrived in North Korea this week to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, which North Korea commemorates as "Victory Day."
Photos released by the agency showed Kim and his guests touring a large exhibition hall featuring some North Korean ballistic missiles mounted on multi-axis transport and launch units. Another photo appeared to show a new drone, according to analysts. The agency mentioned that "Kim separately hosted the Chinese Li Hongzhong, who presented him with a personal message from Chinese President Xi Jinping."
