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Key Points

Russia's Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov has completed a groundbreaking diplomatic visit to North Korea, traveling on the first direct flight between Moscow and Pyongyang in decades. The journey marks a significant moment in bilateral relations, with high-level economic discussions taking place between key government officials. Kozlov met with North Korean counterparts to discuss trade, technology, and economic cooperation protocols signed last November. The monthly direct flight service represents a symbolic and practical reconnection between the two nations.

Key Points: Kozlov Flies First Moscow-Pyongyang Route to North Korea Trade Talks

  • Russia and North Korea restart direct air route after decades
  • Kozlov meets with top North Korean economic officials
  • Bilateral trade and technology cooperation discussions held
  • First Nordwind Airlines flight connects Moscow and Pyongyang
2 min read

Russia's Resources Minister visits North Korea on first direct Moscow-Pyongyang flight

Russia's Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov lands in Pyongyang, marking first direct flight since 1990s and boosting bilateral economic cooperation.

"This is another clear sign of rapidly evolving bilateral friendship - Yun Jong-ho, North Korean External Economic Relations Minister"

Seoul, July 29

Russia's Natural Resources minister has visited North Korea for a meeting on trade and technology cooperation, travelling aboard the first flight of the resumed direct air route between Moscow and Pyongyang, state media reported Tuesday.

North Korea's External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong-ho held a meeting with Russia's Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov in Pyongyang on Monday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

According to KCNA, Yun and Kozlov each head the North Korean and Russian sides of the Intergovernmental Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, and Science and Technology.

The KCNA said they discussed the implementation of a protocol signed by the committee in November last year during Monday's meeting.

Separate working-level committee meetings were also held for each sector to strengthen cooperation, along with a welcoming reception hosted by the North Korean ministry, the KCNA also noted.

Also on Monday, Premier Pak Thae-song held a courtesy meeting with Kozlov, Yonhap news agency reported.

For his trip to North Korea, Kozlov and his delegation travelled on a Nordwind Airlines flight, the first direct service from Moscow to Pyongyang.

The plane departed Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow on Sunday evening and arrived in the North Korean capital on Monday, marking the first regular air connection between the two capitals since the mid-1990s.

North Korea subsequently held an event celebrating the resumption of the direct Moscow-Pyongyang route, the KCNA said, quoting Kozlov as touting advances in bilateral cooperation in the traffic and transportation sectors.

"This is another clear sign of rapidly evolving bilateral friendship," Yun was quoted as saying during the event.

Nordwind plans to operate the direct flight once a month for the time being, in order to stably manage demand for the route.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
One flight per month doesn't seem like much cooperation. Is this just symbolic? The timing is suspicious with Russia facing sanctions. Hope India maintains its balanced approach - we don't need unnecessary complications in our foreign relations.
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Aman W
North Korea opening up to Russia but not to others shows their selective approach. Reminds me of how India also had to navigate complex geopolitics during sanctions era. Hope this brings some stability to the region at least 🤞
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Sarah B
As an expat in Delhi, I find this fascinating. The world is realigning so fast! India's position as a neutral player might become even more crucial if these Russia-NK ties deepen. Wonder how this affects China's influence in the region?
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Vikram M
Russia helping North Korea bypass sanctions through these "trade and technology" deals is concerning. India should be careful about getting drawn into any secondary sanctions. Our economy is doing well - no need for risky partnerships.
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Nisha Z
The flight resumption after nearly 30 years is significant! Shows how geopolitics keeps changing. Remember when India-Russia ties were strongest during Soviet times? Now we're friends with America too. Countries do what's best for their interests. Smart diplomacy matters!

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