North Korean leader Kim Jong Un consulted with Russias Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexander Kozlov in Pyongyang, state media reported Tuesday, as visiting Russian delegations continue to highlight deepening ties in between the two countries.Kozlov, who is leading a delegation focused on trade, economy, science and technology, met Kim on Monday to discuss cooperation in these locations, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
A different Russian military college delegation also arrived in Pyongyang, although KCNA provided no additional details on their visit.The United States and South Korea have actually accused North Korea of sending over 10,000 soldiers to assist Russian forces in Ukraine, with experts suggesting Kim looks for sophisticated innovation and fight experience for his own military.Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic collaboration treaty in June, dedicating both nations to shared military assistance and cooperation against Western sanctions.
Last week, North Korea validated a defense pact with Moscow after Russian lawmakers authorized the deal.Kim said his conference with Kozlov was meant to further promote trade and scientific exchange, noting that relations between the two nations have reached a new strategic level.
In exchange for sending out troops, experts fear Russia may provide innovation that could advance North Koreas nuclear weapons program.
Recently, North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles and a brand-new solid-fuel global ballistic missile.