North Korea’s top diplomat is visiting Russia this week, underscoring the two countries’ push for a united front against international criticism of the DPRK’s alleged troop deployment in support of Moscow’s invasion.

Foreign minister Choe Son Hui and her entourage departed Pyongyang on Monday for an official visit to Russia, the state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday, with Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Alexander Matsegora among those who saw her off.

State media did not provide details about Choe’s agenda or the duration of her visit, but the Russian Embassy saidit takes place within the framework