Belousov said about active expansion of military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK

Cooperation between Russia and the DPRK in the military sphere is actively expanding. This was stated by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov on November 29.

During talks with DPRK Defense Minister No Gwan Chol in Pyongyang, Belousov noted that trusting contacts between the leaders of both countries play a key role in strengthening Russian-Korean relations. The Russian Defense Minister congratulated his colleague on his appointment, adding that Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are good neighbors and long-time friends.

According to him, the outcome of the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and DPRK Chairman Kim Jong-un in June was a demonstration of the highest level of mutual trust and the desire to further expand cooperation amid a complicated international situation.

"Today, friendly ties between Russia and the DPRK are actively expanding in all areas, including military cooperation. We are determined to implement all the agreements reached at the highest level," Belousov said.

In addition, the Russian Defense Minister expressed hope for close and fruitful cooperation with the republic and that the ongoing negotiations will serve to further strengthen relations between the countries in the defense sector.

The fact that Belousov arrived in North Korea on an official visit was reported earlier in the day. The meeting of the Russian delegation took place at the airport in Pyongyang. It was attended by a company of the honor guard of the Korean People's Army.

Earlier, on November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on ratification of the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and the DPRK. The new treaty will come into force from the date of exchange of instruments of ratification between Russia and the DPRK. It will be open-ended.

Russia and the DPRK are actively and very successfully developing diplomatic relations. Thus, on October 29, DPRK Foreign Minister Choi Seong-hee paid an official visit to Moscow as part of the strategic dialog, an agreement to intensify which was reached by Russian and DPRK leaders Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un during the Russian president's state visit to Pyongyang. In June, Putin emphasized that cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow is based on the principles of equal rights and mutual respect for the interests of the two states.