Russian Natural Resources Minister Visits North Korea

Mr Kozlov told a reception that Russia wanted to develop “substantial cooperation” with North Korea based on agreements reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when they met in September in Russia’s far east, according to the KCNA news agency.

Russian Minister of Natural Resources visits North Korea to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. Image 1 — A Russian delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov lays a wreath at the monuments of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung and late leader Kim Jong Il at Mansudae Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea, on November 14, 2023. Photo: KCNA

He also cited North Korea's "full support" for Russia on regional and international issues. KCNA also reported that Russia and North Korea are holding talks on economy, science and technology.

North Korean state media also reported on Wednesday that the country had successfully conducted static tests of a "new-type high-thrust solid-fuel engine" for an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).

“The test provided a firm guarantee for reliably accelerating the development of the new-type IRBM system,” KCNA said.

North Korea's General Rocket Force Bureau praised the significance of the new IRBM, saying the recent tests were necessary to bolster the military's strategic strike capability amid the "severe and unstable security environment facing the country."

Military analysts say solid-fuel missiles are easier and safer to operate, and require less logistical support, making them harder to detect and more likely to succeed than liquid-fuel weapons.

This year, North Korea tested its first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) — its largest — and has also used the technology in a range of smaller weapons.

Huy Hoang (according to KCNA, Reuters)

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