North Korea's intelligence chief meets with Shoigu in moscow: what they agree on

The head of North Korea’s National Intelligence Agency attended an international security forum in russia and met with russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of intelligence.

It was reported by the South Korean media outlet Yonhap.

A delegation from North Korea’s National Intelligence Agency, led by Director General Ri Chang-dae, took part in a meeting at a security forum in russia.

In his speech to forum participants, Ri stated that “all countries should build up their own security capabilities (and) closely promote ... cooperation in the course of building a multi-polar world.”

"The DPRK is stockpiling and steadily bolstering up its strongest strength," the DPRK state agency quoted Ri as saying, asserting that these efforts are aimed at "defending its own security."

On the same day, Ri also held talks with Shoigu, during which they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and intelligence, reportedly with the aim of protecting their countries’ “core interests” and addressing global and regional security challenges.

Recall that in May, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called young people the “vanguard” in advancing state goals and called for stricter organization. The government has identified young people as a key force for both domestic mobilization and for playing a military role in russia’s war against Ukraine.

In August 2025, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un held an awards ceremony for soldiers who fought against Ukraine during the battles in the Kursk Oblast.

And this year, North Korea held a military parade featuring units that fought against Ukraine on the side of the aggressor country, russia.