North Korea has touted the resumption of its first direct flight route between Pyongyang and Moscow.
The Workers’ Party of North Korea’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on page 3 on Tuesday that the inaugural flight—which departed from Moscow and landed at Pyongyang International Airport on Monday—passed through an arch of water spray before arriving at the station in front of the airport terminal.
Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexander Kozlov, who arrived in North Korea on the direct flight, stated at the inauguration ceremony that the two countries proved that friendly nations are committed to fostering brotherly relations. He emphasized significant efforts both countries have made to expand the logistics capabilities of each country over the past two years.
On the same page, it was reported that Yoon Jungho, Chairman of the Trade, Economic, and Science and Technology Cooperation Committee and Foreign Economy Minister of North Korea, met with Minister Kozlov on Monday at the Mansudae Assembly Hall. They discussed issues related to the implementation of the protocol from the 11th meeting of the intergovernmental Trade, Economic, and Science and Technology Cooperation Committee.
On the front page, under the headline “Proudly Showcasing the Sacred 80 Years of Revolutionary Leadership of the Great Workers’ Party of North Korea,” the newspaper emphasized strengthening national defense ahead of the party’s 80th anniversary. The newspaper stated that the only correct and effective response to those who revere power supremacy is to communicate in a language and action they understand—namely, the absolute superiority of formidable military might.
On page two, the newspaper reported that Premier Pak Thae Song held talks with Minister Kozlov, accompanied by Kim Jong Gyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology.
Page four noted that the North Korean Women’s Worker Delegation, which visited Russia, returned home on Monday. It also reported that North Korean synchronized swimmers Choe Wi Hyon and Jo Jin Mi won a silver medal at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. Additionally, it reported that youth friendship campers from North Korea and Russia held the Night of Friendship gathering at the Songdowon International Children’s Camp on Monday.
Page five stressed the importance of improving local teachers’ qualifications. The newspaper emphasized that teacher quality is crucial for achieving educational development in the region. It further explained that efforts to enhance teaching abilities are important initiatives that should actively involve staff from both the respective educational units and their alma maters.
On page six, the newspaper promoted North Korea’s herbal resources. It reported that North Korea boasts over 900 species of wild medicinal plants, and that when including some cultivated medicinal plants, the number rises to around 1,200 species.
