What are the reasons behind Russian Defense Minister's secretive visit to North Korea

Defense Express reported the information.

According to Defense Express, the Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea today, November 29, for an unannounced visit to meet with the country's top military and political leadership. This meeting is taking place against the backdrop of the recently ratified alliance treaty between the "two dictatorial regimes," as well as the direct involvement of North Korean forces in the war against Ukraine.

The outlet raises the question of what else Belousov could have come to Pyongyang for. It seems that Russia is already receiving everything it asks for from North Korea, possibly in exchange for nuclear technologies that pose a threat to South Korea.

Currently, it is only known that Belousov had a protocol meeting with the head of North Korea's Ministry of Defense, No Kwang Chol. However, certain clues may be provided by the composition of the Russian delegation. It includes Deputy Minister Alexei Krivoruchko, who is responsible for logistics, technical support, and arms procurement, as well as Major General Alexei Volkov, the head of the Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

“Based on this, it can be assumed that one of the key topics of negotiations on Russia's part will again be issues related to artillery and missile weapons. This involves increasing the range and quantity of ammunition and the systems that accompany them,” Defense Express noted.

It should also be noted that Russia requires not only an increase in its missile and artillery capabilities, but also significantly broader supplies of weapons from North Korea. For example, the Russian army has received old North Korean Type 73 machine guns, which were produced in the 1970s.

The analysts in Defense Express conclude that it remains unclear what new and larger supplies North Korea is seeking to receive. However, this is more of a concern for South Korea, which, for now, clearly seems unwilling to change its rules regarding arms exports and has allegedly refused to sell weapons to Ukraine.

• On November 29, Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on an official visit.