N. Korea, Russia sign protocol to strengthen cooperation in trade, economy and technology

North Korea and Russia have signed a protocol to boost cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology following high-level meetings in Pyongyang, North Korean state media KCNA reported on Thursday.

• Key agreements: The two countries have agreed to increase charter flights, particularly from Russia’s eastern regions and major cities, to make travel between the two nations easier.
• Tourism growth: Between January and September, over 5,000 Russian tourists visited North Korea, with more than 70% of them traveling by air.
• Diplomatic exchanges: The Russian delegation, led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this week. During the visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent zoo animals as gifts to North Korea.
• Expanding ties: Diplomatic and economic exchanges between the two countries have grown in recent years. This includes President Putin’s visit to North Korea in June, during which both leaders agreed on a mutual defense pact.

Global concerns

The growing military and defense cooperation between North Korea and Russia has raised concerns internationally, especially as North Korea has provided military support, including equipment and troops, to assist Russia’s war in Ukraine.