In a speech, North Korea’s Defense Minister Kang Sun-nam voiced “full support” for Russia’s war with Ukraine, and pledged to strengthen cooperation with Russia against the US.

“We fully support the Russian army and the people’s struggle for justice, and our army reiterates the stance that we will enhance cooperation and solidarity with Russia in the struggle against imperialism,” he said.

Kang and Shoigu held talks earlier in the day, amid speculation that they might discuss the issue of Moscow importing North Korean weapons.

Observers said North Korea apparently wanted to use its celebrations to publicly show off its close ties with China and Russia in the face of strengthened defense cooperation between South Korea, the US and Japan against Pyongyang’s provocations.