Long-serving Russian envoy to North Korea dies

Russia's foreign ministry said Alexander Matsegora, who dedicated much of his life to boosting ties between the Kremlin and Pyongyang, died aged 70 on December 6.

In a statement, it called Matsegora a "brilliant, talented man" who "devoted his entire life to selfless service to his homeland".

Matsegora became ambassador to Pyongyang in 2014, having previously served as advisor at the embassy and as deputy head of the Russian foreign ministry's Asia department.

Under his tenure, relations between the neighbours warmed to levels unseen since the Soviet era. Last year, President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang for the first time in more than two decades. 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent condolences to Putin over the ambassador's "sudden demise", state news agency KCNA reported Tuesday.

Kim said it was a "heartrending event and a great loss" -- especially because it came as bilateral relations were entering a "crucial historic phase", according to the news agency.

North Korea's foreign minister Choe Son Hui also described Matsegora as a "precious comrade" and a "veteran diplomat of versatile talents and close friend of the DPRK people".

During the Soviet period, Matsegora worked on trade ties between the USSR and North Korea.

Moscow did not say who will replace Matsegora. 

Since last year's Putin visit, Russian ministers have made regular trips to one of the world's most secretive countries.

"The unprecedented level of relations between the Russian Federation and the DPRK (North Korea) achieved today is the result of many years of hard work," the Russian ministry said, adding that Matsegora enjoyed "deep respect" in both North Korea and Russia.

Kim Jong Un has been emboldened by Russia's war in Ukraine, securing critical support from Moscow after sending thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces.

Analysts say North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies from Russia in return for sending troops.

That has allowed it to sidestep tough international sanctions imposed over its nuclear and missile programmes that were once a crucial bargaining chip for the United States.

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