North Korea and Russia Deepen Law Enforcement Ties with New Roadmap
SEOUL — North Korea and Russia have agreed to bolster cooperation in law enforcement, signing a new roadmap for delegation exchanges during a visit by Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev to Pyongyang, according to state media from both countries.
The talks, held on April 21 between Kolokoltsev and North Korean Public Security Minister Pang Tu-sop, focused on sharing experiences and achievements in law enforcement, as well as expanding inter-ministerial cooperation. The two sides signed a 2026–2027 roadmap for delegation exchanges, signaling an increase in bilateral visits, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and Russia's Tass news agency.
Kolokoltsev's delegation arrived in the North Korean capital on Monday for a working visit. The trip follows a reciprocal visit by Pang to Moscow in September, when the two nations signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation on public safety and law enforcement, according to Tass.
Details of the discussions were further outlined by Irina Volk, spokesperson for the Russian ministry, who quoted Kolokoltsev in a Telegram post as underscoring the seriousness of drug trafficking. The Russian minister called for the two countries to share information on cases or individuals involved in drug smuggling, Volk said. After the meeting, Kolokoltsev observed a shooting training session by agents of the North Korean ministry, she added.
Kolokoltsev also invited Pang to visit Moscow, Volk noted.
The law enforcement talks come amid a broader deepening of ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, which have expanded cooperation in military, economic, and other areas since signing a mutual defense treaty in June 2024. North Korea's troop deployment in support of Russia's war against Ukraine has further solidified their alignment, according to analysts and reports.
In a related development, North Korea and Russia are set to complete a road bridge linking the two countries over the Tumen River in June, which is expected to facilitate greater cross-border travel. The increased movement may prompt the two nations to tighten public security measures to curb potential border-related crimes, such as defections and trafficking, KCNA suggested.
Additionally, speculation has emerged that a high-level Russian military official may visit Pyongyang for the opening of a memorial museum honoring North Korean soldiers killed while fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. The North is expected to hold a completion ceremony next Monday, marking the first anniversary of what Russia has described as the liberation of the Kursk region, according to reports.
North Korea's public security ministry, which oversees public order, serves a function similar to South Korea's national police agency. At a key parliamentary meeting in March, North Korea unveiled a plan to introduce a police system, signaling that the security ministry could be converted into a police body, according to state media.
The latest exchange underscores the expanding scope of Russia-North Korea cooperation, extending beyond military and economic realms into internal security and law enforcement, as both nations continue to deepen their partnership amid international isolation.