Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, visited the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to pay his respects to the recently deceased Alexander Matsegora, Russia’s ambassador to North Korea. Matsegora, who had served in Pyongyang for over a decade since his appointment in 2014, was widely regarded as a symbol of North Korea-Russia relations.
On Thursday, the Workers’ Party’s official newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, visited the Russian Embassy on Wednesday to express condolences for the passing of Matsegora, the Russian Federation’s ambassador to North Korea.
During his visit, Kim laid flowers and observed a moment of silence in a condolence room set up at the embassy. He then met with the late ambassador’s family and embassy officials to convey his sympathies and support. Kim described Matsegora as a skilled diplomat who had dedicated his life to fostering friendship between North Korea and Russia, and as a close friend to the North Korean people. According to the newspaper, Kim stated that losing Matsegora at a crucial juncture in the two countries’ relationship was a significant loss for both Russia and North Korea.
Kim further remarked that though he has passed away, the respect and memories of him will endure, and the North Korea-Russia relationship will continue to strengthen and develop in the direction he envisioned.
Matsegora’s sudden death occurred on December 6, with both North Korea and Russia withholding specific details about the cause.
As ambassador, Matsegora played a pivotal role in diplomatic relations between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a period of increasing closeness between North Korea and Russia. Analysts suggest that Kim’s personal visit to pay respects to a foreign ambassador carries a political message, emphasizing the significance of North Korea-Russia relations.
The newspaper also reported that other high-ranking North Korean officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, Kim Song-nam, head of the Party’s International Department, and Kim Jong-sik, First Deputy Director of the Party, visited the Russian Embassy to pay their respects to Matsegora.
