People visit the statues of former North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea, on last year's 69th anniversary of the end of the Korean War [File:Jon Chol Jin/AP]
VOA/AFP: Top Russian, Chinese Officials To Visit North Korea in Post-Pandemic First
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — North Korea will this week welcome Russia's defense minister and a high-level Chinese delegation to Pyongyang for Korean War armistice anniversary celebrations, state media said Tuesday, a sign it could be reopening its borders to high-level visitors after a lengthy pandemic closure.
"A military delegation of the Russian Federation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will pay a congratulatory visit to the DPRK," the Korean Central News Agency said, a day after it confirmed a Chinese delegation would also attend the Thursday event.
Russia, one of Pyongyang's historic allies, remains one of a handful of nations that maintains friendly relations with the North, and its leader Kim Jong Un has recently been steadfast in his support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles.
Read more ....
Top Russian And Chinese Military Officials Visit North Korea For Anniversary Of Korean War Armistice
Chinese and Russian officials to join North Korean commemorations of Korean War armistice -- AP
Russian military delegation to join Chinese in North Korea visit -- Reuters
North Korea to host Russian and Chinese delegations -- DW
Chinese and Russian delegations to visit North Korea ahead Korean War anniversary -- CNN
North Korea issues rare invitation to Russian, Chinese delegations for anniversary of Korean War armistice -- FOX News
Russian defense chief will visit North Korea this week to ‘strengthen’ military ties -- Politico
Russia’s Shoigu to join Chinese officials in North Korea visit -- Al Jazeera
Russia defense chief Shoigu to lead military delegation to North Korea this week -- NK News
Chinese delegation to travel to North Korea for first visit since pandemic border closures -- France 24