"Today, friendly relations between Russia and North Korea are expanding in all areas, including military cooperation. We are committed to implementing all agreements reached at the highest level," Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stressed.

During talks with his North Korean counterpart No Kwang Chol in Pyongyang, the Russian Defense Minister also stated: "We look forward to close and effective cooperation with our North Korean comrades."

Mr. Belousov expressed confidence that "today's discussions will further strengthen the Russian-DPRK strategic partnership in the defense industry."

Minister Belousov arrived in North Korea on November 29 to discuss expanding cooperation in all areas with Pyongyang amid rapidly developing relations between the two countries. The Russian Defense Ministry said Belousov would hold talks with North Korean military and political leaders. However, the details of the discussions were not clear.

Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea last June, the two sides later signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, under which Moscow and Pyongyang will provide military support to each other in the event of an attack on either side.

Recently, the US and South Korea accused Pyongyang of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help Russia in its special military operation in Ukraine.

However, Russia and North Korea have denied allegations that North Korea is sending troops to Russia to fight, calling the allegations baseless. On the other hand, Moscow has made it clear that even a scenario in which North Korea sends troops to Russia would not violate international law.