Russia and North Korea strengthen military cooperation amid rising tensions

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov announced on Friday that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is rapidly expanding. His statement came during a visit to Pyongyang, where he held discussions with North Korean officials, including his counterpart, No Kwang-chol.

Belousov's remarks follow recent accusations from the United States, which has alleged that North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region. There, Russian forces are engaged in operations aimed at expelling Ukrainian soldiers from the area. Moscow has not confirmed or denied the claim.

The Russian Defence Ministry cited Belousov as saying that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, signed earlier this year between Russia and North Korea, was designed to reduce the risks of war in Northeast Asia and "maintain the balance of power in the region." The treaty marks a significant step in the growing military relationship between the two countries, with Friday's talks expected to further solidify their strategic partnership in the military sphere.

Russian news agencies reported that Belousov was scheduled to meet with both the military and political leadership of North Korea during his visit, a move likely aimed at deepening ties between the two nations amidst ongoing regional tensions.

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