North Korean FM Heads to Russia for International Women's Forums
North Korea's top diplomat travels to Saint Petersburg for Eurasian and BRICS women's events. The visit comes amid strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea, raising concerns among Western allies.
Choe Son Hui, North Korea's Foreign Minister, has embarked on a journey to Russia to participate in two significant international events: the fourth Eurasian Women's Forum and the BRICS Women's Forum. These gatherings are scheduled to take place in Saint Petersburg from September 18 to 20, 2024.
The Russian Embassy in North Korea confirmed Choe Son Hui's departure, stating that Ambassador Alexander Matsegora saw her off at Pyongyang International Airport. The embassy, which has been operating since 1948, shared this information on the popular Russian social network Vkontakte.
During the forums, Choe Son Hui is expected to deliver speeches and engage in discussions. These events serve as platforms for addressing women's roles in modern society and promoting gender equality across the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
Valentina Matviyenko, who has been the Chairman of the Federation Council since 2011, expressed anticipation for a record-breaking international presence at the forum. In June 2024, she noted that delegations from nearly 100 countries were expected to attend.
This high-profile visit occurs against the backdrop of strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea. Earlier in 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which included a mutual defense pledge. This development has raised concerns among Western nations, particularly the United States and its allies.
Accusations have been leveled against North Korea, suggesting that it has been supplying weapons to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. In return, North Korea is alleged to receive economic and military assistance. However, both Moscow and Pyongyang have firmly denied these claims.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as North Korea remains under stringent sanctions due to its nuclear program. The United States, in particular, has maintained economic sanctions against the country since the 1950s.
"Russian Ambassador (Alexander Ivanovich) Matsegora saw off North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui at the Pyongyang International Airport"
As Saint Petersburg, Russia's cultural capital founded in 1703, prepares to host these significant forums, the global diplomatic community awaits the outcomes of these discussions and their potential impact on international relations.
