North Korean Foreign Minister Plans Russia Belarus Visit Amid Strategic Partnership Talks

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui is scheduled to visit Russia and Belarus at the invitation of their foreign ministries, marking her first trip to Russia since November 2024. The visit, set for late October, is significant amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with North Korea and Russia appearing to strengthen their alliance, including military support linked to Russia's conflict in Ukraine. This visit coincides closely with US President Donald Trump's planned visit to South Korea for the APEC summit, raising speculation about a potential meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, though current indications suggest such a summit is unlikely. Kim Jong-un has recently met with Russian and Belarusian leaders, further highlighting the growing closeness between Pyongyang and Moscow. Analysts suggest that North Korea's engagement with Russia and Belarus may diminish prospects for renewed US-North Korea talks during Trump's South Korea visit. The timing and diplomatic movements reflect North Korea's strategic efforts to bolster international ties amid ongoing global pressures and sanctions.