The North Koreans will clear mines and help with the reconstruction of Kursk, reports state-controlled Russian Ria. In August last year, Ukraine launched a surprise offensive in the Russian region, but in April, Moscow announced that it had recaptured the area.
The message from Shoigu, now chairman of the Russian Security Council, came during Tuesday's visit to Pyongyang. Shoigu is said to have met the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un - for the second time in less than two weeks, according to Ria.
In total, it is about 6,000 North Koreans who, according to Shoigu, will provide "fraternal support" to Russia. North Korea's help is seen as another sign of the expanded partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korea has already sent thousands of soldiers and weapons in support of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Last year, Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive military and defense agreement in connection with an unusual visit by President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang.
