Pyongyang: North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui will embark on official trips to Russia and Belarus, as reported by state media on Sunday. These visits come at the behest of the foreign ministries of the respective countries.

According to Anadolu Agency, the specific dates for Choe’s travels have not been disclosed by Pyongyang. This diplomatic engagement follows her previous visit to Moscow in November last year, where she had discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In recent years, North Korea and Russia have strengthened their ties, notably signing a mutual defense treaty last year. This agreement obligates each nation to provide military support to the other in the event of an attack by a third party. Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, North Korea deployed thousands of soldiers to Russia last year, with reports indicating that dozens have lost their lives.

Additionally, last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko during China’s military parade in Beijing. During their meeting, Kim extended an invitation to Lukashenko to visit North Korea.