Kim Jong Un Shows Off Missiles to Russia's Shoigu in North Korea

North Korea: Kim Jong Un Displays Missiles to Russian Defense Chief Shoigu

Mr Kim had a "friendly talk" with Mr Shoigu, who handed him "an autographed letter" from Russian President Vladimir Putin, state media reported. Kim Jong Un showed off North Korea's latest weapons to Russia's defence chief Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday. Pyongyang invited the Russian delegation led by Mr Shoigu, as well as Chinese officials.

Kim - North Korea

They will attend Pyongyang's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War's armistice, marked typically by massive military parades. The weapons on display included the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Successfully tested in April, It is believed to be the country's first ICBM to use solid propellants, which makes it quicker to launch than liquid-fuel ones. Also on show were two new drone designs, including one resembling the primary offensive strike drone used by the US Air Force, according to NK News, a specialist site focusing on North Korea.

The friendly tour comes amid accusations that Pyongyang is supplying Russia with arms for use in its war in Ukraine - a claim that both Pyongyang and Moscow deny.

North Korea's KCNA said Mr Kim and Mr Shoigu discussed "matters of mutual concern" in the fields of national defence and on the international security environment.

The delegations' visit for North Korea's Victory Day - as the 1953 end of hostilities is called in the North - is expected to finish on Thursday with an extensive military parade. The Koreas are technically still at war because no peace agreement was reached when the conflict ended.

Both Russia and China are long time allies of North Korea. Their visit marks the first time Mr Kim has thrown open the doors to foreign guests since the Covid pandemic.

The last time Pyongyang invited foreign government delegates for a military parade was in February 2018.

source:bbc