North Korean military educators head to Russia as security ties deepen

North Korean military education officials have begun a visit to Russia, state media reported Tuesday, signaling deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un pose for a photo during the signing ceremony of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19. [NEWS1]

North Korean military education officials have begun a visit to Russia, state media reported Tuesday, signaling deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.

A delegation led by Kim Kum-chol, president of Kim Il Sung Military University, departed from Pyongyang on Monday, according to North Korean media. Kim Il Sung Military University, named after North Korea's late founder, serves as a key post-secondary institution for training Korean People's Army officers. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the founder's grandson, reportedly took courses there, including artillery studies, after his education in Switzerland.

Reports did not disclose the identity of delegation members other than Kim Kum-chol, the purpose of the visit, its destination, or duration.

The visit marks the first time high-ranking North Korean military officials have publicly traveled to Russia since Pyongyang and Moscow signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty on June 19, which includes a mutual defense provision.

Some analysts suggest the visit is a follow-up to the treaty.

The South Korean government has warned that "any cooperation aiding North Korea's military enhancement, directly or indirectly, is a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and subject to international scrutiny and sanctions."

South Korea plans to closely examine whether the visit by North Korean military education officials to Russia violates international sanctions, considering Kim Kum-chol's relatively low ranking.

"The North Korean officials visiting Russia this time are not considered to be highly significant figures in the military," an official from the Unification Ministry told reporters Tuesday under the condition of anonymity. "Simple personnel exchanges themselves are not prohibited by [UN Security Council sanctions resolutions on North Korea]. However, if visible military exchanges and cooperation follow this visit, it could be considered a violation of sanctions depending on the specifics."

"Whether this is general military education or something else, we need to monitor the delegation's activities closely," a Foreign Ministry official echoed. "However, as we have repeatedly said, any military actions that can enhance North Korea's military capabilities are violations of UN Security Council resolutions."

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]