North Korean Elite Military Training Delegation Visits Russia

North Korea's Pyongyang Metro Subway/UNSPLASH/Random Institute ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - A North Korean elite military training delegation has departed for a visit to Russia. The activity is related to the first military exchange between the two countries since their leaders signed an agreement promising closer military cooperation.

The rector of Kim Il Sung Military University, Kim Geum Chol, led a delegation of military training officials and departed by plane on Monday, July 8, state news agency KCNA reported as reported by Reuters, Tuesday, July 9.

No other details were given, including the purpose of the visit and which regions in Russia they visited.

Named after the country's founder, the university is a training ground for elite military officers, including the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, after he studied in Switzerland while being prepared to become the country's third leader.

The military university delegation marks the latest visit by North Korea to Russia as they have exchanged several high-ranking officials in the past year, including a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang in June.

At their summit, Putin and Kim signed an agreement on a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" that includes a joint defense treaty that Kim has called an alliance.

The highly public development of the two countries’ military ties has worried officials in Seoul and Washington who point to evidence of North Korean arms shipments to Russia for use against Ukraine and believe Pyongyang may be receiving undisclosed assistance from Moscow.

Both countries deny any arms deals.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who will attend this week’s NATO summit in Washington, has warned Moscow of the negative impact its friendship with Pyongyang could have on the vibrant economic ties between the two countries.