North Korea "fully supports" Russia’s right to defend its sovereignty

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Monitoring: North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam said Wednesday he fully supports Russia's right to defend its sovereignty. His statements come as Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea for the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

North Korean Defence Minister Kang Sun Nam meets with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency on July 27. 

North Korea’s Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam Wednesday said he fully supports what he called "the just struggle of the Russian army" to "defend the sovereignty and security of the country," according to state newspaper KCNA. 

During a reception welcoming the Russian military delegation to Pyongyang on Wednesday, Kang reaffirmed the mandate of the North Korean army to strengthen cooperation against the "anti-imperialist struggle," and wished the Russian army success in "building a powerful Russia" under President Vladimir Putin, KCNA reported. 

Kang noted that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit demonstrates the "might of the militant unity" between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Russian armies and people, against a "common enemy," KCNA reported.

Shoigu also made a speech stressing that the North Korean army "has become the strongest army in the world," according to KCNA.

During his visit, Shoigu also met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, KCNA reported. Kim and Shoigu discussed matters "of mutual concern" regarding defense and security. The meeting served to develop DPRK-Russia relations and "strategic and tactical collaboration and cooperation," according to KCNA.

The meeting took place during a congratulatory visit by Shoigu's delegation for the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, KCNA reported.