Russia, North Korea sign law enforcement cooperation road map in Pyongyang

Russia's interior minister traveled to Pyongyang on Monday for talks with North Korea's top law enforcement official, signing a two-year cooperation road map that formalizes security ties deepened by Pyongyang's military support for Moscow's war in Ukraine, The Korea Times reported.

The meeting marks the latest institutionalization of North Korea-Russia ties following Pyongyang's troop deployment in support of the Kremlin, with both countries also nearing the June 2026 completion of a road bridge over the Tumen River that would open the first land crossing between the two nations.

Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev led a delegation to the North Korean capital for talks with Public Security Minister Pang Tu-sop, according to The Korea Times. The two officials shared experiences on law enforcement matters and discussed expanding exchanges and cooperation between their ministries, the outlet reported.

The ministers concluded the meeting by signing a 2026-2027 road map for delegation exchanges, The Korea Times reported.

The visit reflects the accelerating pace of institutional cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang since North Korea deployed troops to support Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. The Korea Times reported that a road bridge linking the two countries over the Tumen River is expected to be completed in June 2026, a development that would substantially increase cross-border movement.

The Korea Times noted that the anticipated rise in cross-border traffic may lead North Korean authorities to tighten public security measures to curb border-related offenses, including defections and human trafficking.

Kolokoltsev's trip also coincides with North Korea's expected plans to hold a ceremony marking the first anniversary of what Russia has described as the "liberation of the Kursk region," according to The Korea Times.

Kolokoltsev's Pyongyang visit is among a series of high-level exchanges between Moscow and Pyongyang that have accelerated since North Korea began providing military support to Russia, according to The Korea Times.