N. Korea plans parade for Russian, Chinese visitors
North Korea is hosting senior Chinese and Russian delegations for 70th anniversary commemorations of the Korean War. As Edward Baran reports, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday (July 26) that the two countries plan to strengthen defense cooperation. - REUTERS
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00:00 After years of pandemic isolation, North Korea has invited its friends back this week for
00:05 70th anniversary commemorations of the Korean War. Satellite images reveal that Pyongyang's
00:10 preparing a large-scale military parade in its capital, with the number 70 clearly visible.
00:16 The visiting dignitaries, the first known foreign delegation since the COVID-19 pandemic
00:21 began, include Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Images from Russia's defence ministry
00:27 and North Korean media showed Shoigu being greeted by North Korean Defence Minister Kang
00:33 Sun-nam at the airport and rows of North Korean and Russian troops.
00:38 On Wednesday, Shoigu laid a wreath at a Korean War monument and called North Korea an important
00:43 partner during talks in Pyongyang, adding that the two countries plan to strengthen
00:48 defence cooperation.
00:50 The United States has accused North Korea of providing weapons to Russia during the
00:54 war in Ukraine, claims Pyongyang and Moscow have denied. But leader Kim Jong-un has vowed
01:00 to bolster strategic cooperation between the nations.
01:10 The visiting dignitaries who were announced on North Korean state television also include
01:15 Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hong-chang. The visits come as Pyongyang looks
01:21 to deepen its ties with Beijing and Moscow, finding common ground in their rivalries with
01:26 Washington and the West.