Will North Korean FM Choe Visit Russia and Belarus?
Synopsis
In a significant diplomatic move, North Korean FM Choe Son-hui is set to visit Russia and Belarus. This visit raises questions about the potential for renewed talks between North Korea and the US amidst shifting global alliances. What does this mean for international relations?
Key Takeaways
Choe Son-hui is visiting Russia and Belarus this week.
This visit is significant as it marks her first trip to Russia in nearly a year.
Speculation surrounds a potential meeting between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump .
North Korea's military alignment with Russia is growing.
Kim's engagement with the US depends on dropping denuclearization demands.
Seoul, Oct 26 (NationPress) The Foreign Minister of North Korea, Choe Son-hui, is set to embark on a trip to Russia and Belarus following invitations from the governments of these nations, as reported by state media on Sunday.
The state media has yet to reveal additional information, including the specific dates of Choe's visit.
This upcoming journey to Russia marks her first in nearly a year, according to Yonhap News Agency. Choe last visited Moscow in November of the previous year, where she had a courtesy meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Choe's visit to Russia occurs amidst rising speculation regarding whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will respond to US President Donald Trump's invitation for another meeting when Trump travels to South Korea this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Nevertheless, the announcement of Choe's trip to Russia indicates that a meeting might be increasingly unlikely.
Prior to his tour of Asia, which includes stops in Malaysia and Japan, Trump reiterated his readiness to meet Kim 'if he’s interested,' stating he remains 'open' to another encounter.
Analysts perceive the likelihood of a meeting between the two leaders as low, as North Korea has been strengthening its military ties with Russia, even deploying troops in support of Moscow's actions in Ukraine. Additionally, Pyongyang is working on rebuilding its relationship with China.
Kim has also indicated he is willing to engage with the US, but only if Washington abandons its demands for North Korea's denuclearisation.
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Malaysia, Trump labeled North Korea 'sort of a nuclear power' when queried about Pyongyang's stance that it must be acknowledged as such to negotiate with the US.
A senior US official previously stated that a meeting between Trump and Kim is not on the current agenda for Trump’s Asia visit, but acknowledged that 'things can change.'
Point of View
It is essential to approach the evolving situation with North Korea objectively. The visit of Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui signifies a complex interplay of international relations, highlighting the intricacies of diplomacy amidst global tensions. Our commitment remains to report on these developments with accuracy and impartiality.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Choe Son-hui's visit?
Choe Son-hui is visiting Russia and Belarus at the invitation of their governments, potentially discussing diplomatic relations and cooperation.
When was Choe Son-hui's last visit to Russia?
Her last visit to Russia occurred in November of the previous year.
Will there be a meeting between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump?
Currently, a meeting is not scheduled, but officials indicate that 'things can change'.
How has North Korea's military alignment shifted?
North Korea has strengthened its military ties with Russia, including troop deployments in support of Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
What is North Korea's stance on denuclearization?
Kim Jong-un has expressed willingness to engage with the US but insists that Washington must drop its demands for denuclearization.
