INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A Russian delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov is visiting Pyongyang, North Korea's state media said Wednesday,
with the two countries' growing cooperation triggering concern in Washington and Seoul.The visit comes less than a week after U.S
Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that ties between Pyongyang and Moscow were "growing and dangerous," urging the North's ally China
to restrain the nuclear-armed country.The delegation arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday, the state official Korean Central News Agency
reported, to discuss "cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology."Historic allies Russia and North Korea are both under
accuses Pyongyang of having provided over 1 million artillery rounds to Moscow for use in its war with Ukraine
Seoul says the North appears to have received advice on military satellite technology in return.The latest Russian visit comes after the
G7's top diplomats last week slammed the arms transfers, urging North Korea and Russia to "immediately cease all such activities."The two
countries have ramped up cooperation following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in
one priority."Russia wishes to develop "substantial cooperation in accordance with the agreements reached at the Russia-DPRK summit," KCNA
said Wednesday, using the North's official name.Images released by KCNA showed the Russian delegation laying a wreath at the Mansudae Grand
Monument in Pyongyang, where giant statues of North Korea's former leaders are located.A reception was held at one of the capital's largest
stage."KCNA also said Wednesday that a North Korean delegation headed by the country's sports and culture minister left to attend a forum in
the Russian city of Perm.Analysts say the latest moves indicate both countries are keen to emphasize their growing alliance, despite global
criticism.The North "could potentially expand its planned trade by exporting war-related goods to Russia," Ahn Chan-il, a
for importing food and energy resources," he added.
