Wonsan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea — Kim Jong-un, leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), received Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Wonsan, marking a significant step in deepening relations between the two countries. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the meeting on its official Telegram channel, releasing images of Lavrov smiling broadly while shaking hands with the North Korean leader.
Lavrov earlier held talks with DPRK Foreign Minister Choi Son Hee, after which he praised the Wonsan-Kalma resort as a “very good tourist site” with strong appeal for Russian visitors. The new resort complex, situated on the Kalma Peninsula and opened in June 2025, has been designed specifically with Russian tourists in mind.
Currently, the Wonsan-Kalma Resort remains under COVID-19-related operational restrictions, though Lavrov expressed hope that these would be lifted soon to boost tourism and economic exchanges between the DPRK and Russia. The resort’s potential to attract visitors from Russia aligns with broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties amid shifting global dynamics.
According to the report by Gazeta, Lavrov also announced plans to erect a monument honoring DPRK soldiers who died defending Russia’s Kursk region during World War II, underscoring historical bonds between the two nations.
The meeting in Wonsan is part of ongoing diplomatic engagement reflecting Moscow and Pyongyang’s shared interests in counterbalancing Western influence in the region, with cultural and tourism cooperation emerging as key pillars of this renewed partnership.
