Moscow: A high-ranking delegation from North Korea’s Workers’ Party has arrived in Moscow on a visit at the invitation of Russia’s ruling party, state media reported Tuesday. The delegation is led by Ri Hi-yong, a member of the party’s Central Committee Politburo, and marks a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic relations between the two nations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the visit was organized at the invitation of Russia’s United Russia Party. Andrey Klimov, a member of the presidium of the Russian party’s Supreme Committee and deputy head of the party’s foreign activities committee, was among those who greeted the North Korean delegation upon their arrival. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on the event, noting the presence of Kim Song-nam, party director for international affairs, who is also part of the delegation. Kim is recognized for his expertise on China and has a history of serving as an interpreter during visits to China by North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-sung, and former leader, Kim Jong-il.

This visit coincides with ongoing negotiations led by the United States to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, a conflict to which North Korea has contributed thousands of troops on the Russian side. The diplomatic exchange is a continuation of the strengthened ties between Pyongyang and Moscow following the signing of a mutual defense treaty last year. This treaty has facilitated cooperation in defense, economy, sports, and several other fields.

An official from South Korea’s unification ministry revealed that this visit follows an agreement made in October 2018 for exchanges between North Korean and Russian parties. At that time, a North Korean delegation led by a party vice director-level official visited Russia. The current delegation’s composition suggests an upgrade in the level of engagement between the two countries, the official noted on condition of anonymity.