Russian Defense Minister's Visit to North Korea..."Fast expansion of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia"

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Bellowsov, who made an official visit to North Korea, said military cooperation between the two countries is expanding rapidly.

Minister Bellowsov, who arrived in Pyongyang today, met with North Korean Defense Minister Noh Kwang-chul and said, "I look forward to further strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries in the military sector."

It also said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between North Korea and Russia, signed in June, aims to reduce the risk of war in Northeast Asia and maintain a balance of power.

In response, Roh praised the expansion of military cooperation between the two countries and reiterated his support, saying that Russia's war in Ukraine is a legitimate struggle to protect its sovereignty and security interests.

Minister Bellowsov was greeted by Defense Minister Roh at Sunan International Airport near Pyongyang, and the honor guard of the Korean People's Army held an official welcoming ceremony.

Earlier in North Korea, Foreign Minister Choi Sun-hee visited Russia at the end of last month, and Russian President Putin gave special treatment, including an unscheduled interview with Foreign Minister Choi.

Bellowsov accompanied Putin as an entourage during his state visit to North Korea in June.