Overview
- KCNA said Kim laid flowers and observed a moment of silence at the Pyongyang embassy on Dec. 10, with published photos showing him kneeling before the ambassador’s portrait.
- Kim met Matsegora’s family and embassy staff and praised the envoy as an able diplomat whose loss he called a deep sorrow and great loss for both countries.
- KCNA reported additional condolence visits by senior North Korean officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, party official Kim Song-nam, and top military figure Pak Jong Chon.
- Aleksandr Matsegora died suddenly on Dec. 6 at age 70, with no cause disclosed, and Moscow announced his death on Dec. 8.
- Matsegora had served as ambassador since 2014, a period that saw upgraded ties after Vladimir Putin’s 2024 visit and a comprehensive strategic partnership, with Yonhap reporting North Korean support for Russia in the war in Ukraine.