Introduction
The recent trip to Russia by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was accompanied by a delegation that has raised several eyebrows. This retinue, consisting of top military commanders, arms industry officials, and diplomats, suggests a defence-centric agenda for the forthcoming meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The trip presents a comprehensive image of Kim’s priorities and Russia’s role in North Korean diplomacy and defence.
Mysterious Delegation Members
While North Korea hasn’t publicly revealed the names of the delegates, the state media photos have given a few clues. Astute analysts have made educated guesses on the identities of several key figures standing alongside Kim.
Defence Personnel: A Focal Point
Among the key individuals accompanying Kim is Ri Pyong Chol. As the vice chairman of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission and a marshal of the army, Ri holds North Korea’s top military rank. His presence is particularly significant due to his role in overseeing North Korea’s defence sector, including its nuclear and missile programs. Interestingly, Ri had also accompanied Kim’s late father, Kim Jong Il, during a visit to Russia in 2011, suggesting a consistent pattern in North Korea’s defence diplomacy with Russia.
Additional delegates of importance include:
- Marshal Pak Jong Chon: A freshly appointed head of the party’s military-political leadership. His presence implies discussions surrounding military strategies and tactics.
- Pak Thae Song: He serves as both a party secretary and chairman of a national committee tasked with space science and technology, specifically in a spy satellite program.
- Jo Chun Ryong: As the director of the Munitions Industry Department, Ryong’s role has been instrumental in assisting Kim during recent visits to key sites like munitions factories and missile plants.
Michael Madden, an expert on North Korean leadership at the Stimson Center in Washington, D.C., opined that the composition of the delegation strongly hints that discussions between Kim and Putin would be defense-centric. Madden further speculates potential agreements on munitions purchases, with Jo Chun Ryong possibly leading the negotiations.
Another potential delegate, Defence Minister Kang Sun Nam, though not definitively identified, might also have joined the Russian trip. His presence would further bolster the military and defence representation.
Political Powerhouses
Among the politically significant figures is Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. A veteran diplomat and longtime nuclear negotiator, Choe has played pivotal roles in the past. Her skills were notably evident during Kim’s summits with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite facing a brief setback after the failed 2019 summit in Vietnam, Choe regained prominence, signifying her resilience and indispensability in North Korean diplomacy.
Another noteworthy individual is Kim’s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong. Even though it remains uncertain whether she joined the trip, her high-profile roles in supporting her brother during past summits can’t be ignored. Her presence or absence could signify the nature and tone of the discussions.
Economic Delegates: Indicative of Broader Agendas
Contrary to the dominant defense-focused narrative, several delegates accompanying Kim handle economic affairs. Their presence raises questions about potential discussions surrounding economic cooperation and food aid between North Korea and Russia. Some of the key economic delegates include:
- O Su Yong: As a party secretary and director of the economy department, his presence might signify dialogues on economic strategies and mutual cooperation.
- Pak Hun: Holding the position of vice premier of the cabinet with a focus on construction, his inclusion might imply potential construction collaborations or projects.
- Han Kwang Sang: Chief of the party’s light industry department, his role suggests possible talks on light industry cooperation.
An official from Seoul’s Unification Ministry, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, speculated another crucial economic topic. Given the current U.N. Security Council sanctions which prohibit North Korean labourers in Russia, discussions could revolve around strategies to navigate this limitation.
Conclusion
The North Korean delegation’s trip to Russia is undeniably significant. With a strong representation from the defense sector, it’s evident that military and defense will be primary discussion points. However, the presence of economic officials suggests that North Korea might be looking at a multifaceted partnership with Russia, encompassing economic cooperation, food aid, and possibly labour discussions. This trip could lay the groundwork for future collaborations and strategic alliances between the two nations. Only time will reveal the full extent of the discussions and their implications on global geopolitics.
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