New Russian Ambassador to North Korea Begins Duties

Andrey Podelyshev, the newly appointed Russian ambassador to North Korea, has officially commenced his duties. He submitted a copy of his credentials to the North Korean foreign ministry, signifying the continuation of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The submission took place during a meeting with Kim Myong-jin, the head of the ministry's Second Protocol Department. Both officials engaged in friendly discussions and expressed their commitment to strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea.

Podelyshev arrived in Pyongyang on September 26 and paid respects at the Liberation Tower, which honors Soviet troops who lost their lives during the Korean War. He also visited a memorial dedicated to North Korean soldiers who fought against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region.

The new ambassador was appointed following the unexpected death of his predecessor, Alexander Matsegora, in December 2022. His arrival comes alongside a Russian delegation that is in North Korea for a series of working-level exchanges, including discussions on shared interests and educational initiatives.

The establishment of Podelyshev's role is viewed as a significant step in maintaining the diplomatic relationship between Russia and North Korea, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region.