Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev arrived in North Korea for party foundation festivities early Thursday morning, heading a large delegation including the Kursk governor, prominent party leaders and pop singer Shaman.

Medvedev, who also leads the ruling United Russia party and serves as deputy chairman of the National Security Council, is expected to attend a military parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its ruling party on Friday, and his delegation is likely to participate in events commemorating the two sides’ military cooperation over the war in Ukraine.

The close ally of Vladimir Putin touched down in Pyongyang aboard a