On Wednesday, North Korea’s Minister of Social Security and a delegation from Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs held talks in Pyongyang, signing an agreement to expand exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.
The Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that Bang Du-seop, the Minister of Social Security, and Vladimir Kolokoltsev, the Russian Minister of Internal Affairs, conducted the meeting on Tuesday at the Pyongyang Assembly Hall. Kim Song Nam, the Deputy Minister of Social Security, and Vladimir Topeha, the acting Russian ambassador to North Korea, were also present.
The newspaper stated that they engaged in in-depth discussions on sharing achievements and experiences in law enforcement and expanding bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Following the talks, they signed the 2026-2027 Delegation Exchange Plan.
The meeting reportedly took place in a comradely and friendly atmosphere, with the Ministry of Social Security hosting a welcoming banquet for the delegation that evening.
The Russian delegation, led by Minister Kolokoltsev, arrived in Pyongyang on Monday. While the specific purpose of their visit remains undisclosed, it appears to be part of ongoing high-level exchanges aimed at fostering cooperation in public safety and internal affairs between the two countries.
Previously, Minister Bang visited Russia in September last year, where he signed an agreement on cooperation in addressing crimes such as the apprehension of fugitives, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Notably, North Korea has recently expressed intentions to introduce a police system similar to those in other countries, suggesting that discussions on this topic may have taken place during the meeting.
Additionally, there is speculation that the Russian delegation might attend the upcoming event commemorating the first anniversary of the liberation of Kursk, expected to be held in North Korea at the end of this month.