North Korea announced on Thursday that a Russian economic delegation had arrived in Pyongyang the previous day. The two nations are expected to explore avenues for cooperation in trade, science, and technology.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party, reported on its third page that the Russian delegation, headed by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, had landed in Pyongyang. They were greeted by Foreign Economic Minister Yoon Jeong-ho and Alexander Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea.
While the specific itinerary and discussion topics for the delegation’s visit weren’t disclosed, Minister Kozlov is known to be overseeing the practical coordination of trade and scientific cooperation between North Korea and Russia. This follows up on commitments made during the North Korea-Russia summit in June.
The newspaper’s front page featured an article titled, The Achievements of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Advancing with the People’s Will and Strength, Are Invincible. It declared that all victories achieved by the party over the past 80 years were triumphs of the great North Korean people, urging citizens to more resolutely carry out the party’s directives.
The second page reported on a commemorative meeting held the previous day, marking the 10th anniversary of General Secretary Kim Jong Un’s on-site guidance at the Pyongyang Catfish Farm. The paper reiterated the significance of advancing scientific and intensive aquaculture practices.
Page 4 covered the conclusion of the 2025 National Skills Competition for People’s Economic Sectors and Professions, which had commenced in May. The competition encompassed various fields including lathe operation, sheet metal work, plastering, sewing, and bread making. Cities such as Pyongyang and Kaesong received commendations from the Central Committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions for their exemplary participation.
The fifth page highlighted Kanggye Agricultural and Forestry University, describing it as a nurturing ground for talents poised to drive regional development. The newspaper stressed the importance of cultivating skilled individuals crucial for building an economic powerhouse, ensuring a continuous pipeline of scientific and technological expertise.
On page six, the paper briefly mentioned the recent election of Sanae Takaichi as Japan’s new Prime Minister, noting her reputation as a representative of the right-wing conservative faction. The report expressed concern over Takaichi’s justification of visits to Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of militarism, warning that the rightward shift in Japanese politics shows no signs of abating and may lead to even more precarious paths.