North Korea deepens strategic ties with Russia amid global tensions
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has called for "broader and more diverse" cooperation with Russia during discussions with the Russian Minister of Natural Resources, Alexander Kozlov.
The meeting occurred on Monday during a visit by the Russian delegation, which "highlights the strengthening of ties between the two countries," according to the KCNA agency. Kim met with Russian representatives at the 11th session of the intergovernmental committee for cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, science, and technology.
"New strategic level"
As noted by the North Korean agency, the leader of North Korea emphasized the importance of strengthening "prosperity and development" through "further promoting intergovernmental trade, economic, scientific, and technological exchange and cooperation."
Kim added that relations based on friendship and cooperation have reached a "new strategic level."
According to state media, a North Korean delegation from the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian army arrived in Pyongyang on the same day. At the same time, a Korean delegation from the city council committee set off for Russia.
North Korea and Russia have been intensifying cooperation in various fields, especially military, ever since Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new partnership treaty in June in Pyongyang, which includes mutual defence.
Meanwhile, another KCNA communiqué urged caution regarding South Korea, the USA, and Japan's initiative to create a "secretariat" for trilateral cooperation, which was announced during their recent meeting at the APEC summit in Peru.
