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Kim Jong Un pays tribute to late Russian ambassador in Pyongyang
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to offer condolences following the death of Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Matsegora, state media reported on Thursday.
Kim’s visit on Wednesday came after North Korean authorities confirmed the ambassador’s sudden passing last Saturday at the age of 70. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim laid flowers and observed a moment of silence to honor Matsegora, whom he described as a diplomat who dedicated his life to strengthening relations between North Korea and Russia. Kim also met with the ambassador’s family and embassy staff, offering his sympathy and acknowledging their loss.
KCNA quoted Kim as calling Matsegora “an accomplished diplomat” whose work played an important role in advancing cooperation between the two countries. Kim added that the ambassador’s death represented “a profound sorrow” for both nations, especially at a time when their relationship is entering what he called a “significant historical stage.”
Kim emphasized that North Korea’s respect for Matsegora “will endure,” expressing confidence that bilateral ties will continue to progress in line with the diplomat’s aspirations.
Matsegora had served as Russia’s ambassador to North Korea for more than ten years and played a key role in shaping recent diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have grown increasingly close, including North Korea’s military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In September, during a meeting in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged for the first time that North Korean forces were deployed to Ukraine at Kim’s initiative.
Earlier this year, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service informed lawmakers that over 600 North Korean soldiers had been killed while fighting alongside Russian troops, estimating total North Korean casualties at more than 4,700 since their involvement began last year.
Both nations formalized their growing partnership last year by signing a comprehensive strategic agreement pledging mutual military assistance in the event that either country is attacked by a third party.
