North Korea and Russia Discuss Restarting Train Services

The North Korean delegation from the People’s Committee of Rason City returned home by train on the 18th after concluding their visit to the Russian Far East Primorsky Krai. During their visit, the delegation appears to have discussed the resumption of train services between the two countries and future North Korean-Russian meeting schedules. Typically, negotiations occur at various levels, and intensive negotiations are expected to be exchanged sequentially with high-ranking officials.

According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 19th, the delegation, led by Chairman Sin Chang Il of the People’s Committee of Rason City, stayed in Russia for almost a week after departing from Rason City by train on the 12th.

The Russian Embassy in North Korea also stated on their Telegram channel on the 18th that “From May 12 to 18, the delegation from Rason City visited the Yeonhaeju (Primorsky Krai) at the invitation of Oleg Kozhemyako, the Administrative Governor (Governor of Primorsky Krai).” They also noted, “Following the tradition, the Yonhae River government delegation welcomed friendly guests with bread and salt at the Khasan station.”

The embassy added, “The organizers prepared diverse schedules for the friends of Joseon (North Korea), including sightseeing at famous places. We are confident that this trip will have significant meaning in developing and strengthening regional connections between both sides.”

Earlier, Oleg Kozhemyako, the Governor of the Russian Primorsky Krai, announced on his Telegram channel post on the 13th (local time) that they will resume the passenger rail service between Vladivostok and North Korean Rason City. He had already revealed plans to resume passenger rail services between Russia and North Korea within this year to local Russian media last January.

Rason City is an economic special zone bordering China and Russia. The North Korean railway extends to the Russian Khasan station, about 33.5 miles from Rason. To go to Vladivostok, one must transfer to a Russian train at Khasan.