North Korea's Public Security Minister Pang Tu-sop and Russia's Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev held talks in Pyongyang on boosting law enforcement exchanges. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the two sides shared experiences and signed a 2026-2027 roadmap for delegation visits. The meeting occurs amid deepening ties following North Korea's troop deployment to support Russia's war in Ukraine.
In talks held in Pyongyang, North Korea's Public Security Minister Pang Tu-sop and Russia's Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev shared their countries' law enforcement experiences and accomplishments, KCNA reported. The discussion also covered expanding exchanges and cooperation between the two ministries. A Russian delegation led by the minister arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for the Tuesday meeting.
The two ministries signed a 2026-2027 roadmap for delegation exchanges on Tuesday, signaling increased visits. Russia's interior ministry oversees public security.
The meeting comes as Pyongyang and Moscow have deepened alignment after North Korea deployed troops to aid Russia's war against Ukraine, with cooperation growing in military, economic, and public security fields. The two countries plan to complete a road bridge over the Tumen River in June, which could boost cross-border travel.
Such movement may lead to more border crimes like defections and trafficking, prompting tighter security measures. Tuesday's talks occurred amid speculation that a high-level Russian military official might visit Pyongyang for the opening of a memorial museum honoring North Korean soldiers killed fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. North Korea expects to hold a completion ceremony next Monday, marking the first anniversary of Russia's described liberation of the Kursk region.
