Russia news: Defence minister in North Korea [Video]

SEOUL, South Korea –

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday for talks with North Korean military and political leaders as the countries deepen their co-operation over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

In announcing the visit, Russia’s Defence Ministry didn’t say whom Belousov would meet or the purpose of the talks. North Korean state media didn’t immediately confirm the visit.

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Belousov, a former economist, replaced Sergei Shoigu as defence minister in May after Russian President Vladimir Putin started a fifth term in power.

Photos released by the Defence Ministry showed Belousov walking alongside North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol on a red carpet at a Pyongyang airport. North Korean military officials were seen clapping under a banner that read, “Complete support and solidarity with the fighting Russian army and people.”

Belousov noted after his arrival …