A North Korean Cabinet minister who led a delegation visit to Moscow earlier this month is now in Iran, according to Pyongyang state media. The state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday that a high-level economic delegation was visiting Iran, marking a rare public visit that signals increased cooperation between the two states.
The visiting officials are led by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho, who has been active in the country’s increasing exchanges with Russia. According to KCNA, he led a delegation to Moscow earlier this month. In a one-sentence dispatch, KCNA stated that the delegation had departed for Iran on Monday, but did not provide any further details.
This visit occurs as Pyongyang strengthens its military ties with Moscow. South Korea alleges that the North has sent approximately 7,000 containers to Russia, allegedly in exchange for technical assistance from Moscow for North Korea’s budding spy satellite program. Both North Korea and Russia have denied these claims.
Recently, Russia utilized its veto power on the United Nations Security Council to obstruct UN sanctions monitoring on North Korea amidst an investigation into the alleged arms transfers. North Korea’s regime expressed gratitude for this support.
Iran and Russia maintain close military ties and are political allies. Russia has reportedly used Iranian-made drones in its war in Ukraine.
