North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui declared on 30 May 2025 that Pyongyang and Moscow share 'a common position on all strategic issues', remarks made at a ceremony unveiling a memorial plaque for late Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang. The statement, reported by Russia's state-run Tass news agency, underscores the deepening alliance between the two countries amid ongoing global tensions.

What Choe Son-hui Said

'Today, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation share a common position on all strategic issues, which corresponds to the level of allied relations,' Choe was quoted as saying by Tass, as further cited by Yonhap news agency. She also noted that by 'consistently defending our core mutual interests, Moscow and Pyongyang are achieving success in the comprehensive expansion and development of bilateral relations and in improving the well-being of the peoples of the two countries.'

Choe further pledged that North Korea would deepen cooperation with Russia 'on the basis of comradeship and trust forged in blood through the harsh trials of time,' and indicated that Pyongyang intends to advance ties in line with agreements reached at the leadership level of both nations.

Who Was Alexander Matsegora

The ceremony was held to honour Alexander Matsegora, who served as Russia's ambassador to North Korea for over 10 years after being appointed in December 2014. He died suddenly at the age of 70 in December 2024 while still in post; the cause of death has not been made public. The memorial plaque unveiled at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang serves as a formal tribute to his long diplomatic tenure.

Senior North Korean Officials Present

North Korea's state broadcaster, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), confirmed on Sunday that Jo Yong-won, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, also attended the unveiling ceremony alongside Foreign Minister Choe. The high-level attendance signals the significance Pyongyang attaches to its relationship with Moscow.

Broader Context: Russia-North Korea Ties

The declaration of full strategic alignment is the latest in a series of high-profile signals from both capitals reinforcing their partnership. This comes amid sustained Western pressure on both Russia — over its war in Ukraine — and North Korea — over its weapons programmes. Critics and Western governments have repeatedly alleged military cooperation between the two countries, including the supply of ammunition and personnel, allegations both Pyongyang and Moscow have disputed. Choe's remarks at a diplomatic memorial ceremony, rather than a formal summit, suggest that the alliance is now being treated as a settled, institutionalised reality rather than a contingent arrangement.