Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council and a close ally of Vladimir Putin, has arrived in Pyongyang, leading a delegation for the 80th anniversary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party.

Russian media reported on Thursday that Medvedev is expected to attend a military parade and official ceremonies on Friday.

The delegation includes senior United Russia Party figures and regional officials tied to economic cooperation with North Korea.

In a congratulatory message to Kim Jong-un, Medvedev said both nations will jointly oppose what he called “neocolonial interference” in the affairs of sovereign states.

His visit reflects Moscow’s deepening alignment with Pyongyang amid its war with Ukraine.

Russian singer Shaman and other cultural envoys also arrived to take part in the events.