Nov 29, Kathmandu- Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov arrived in Pyongyang on Friday for a visit to North Korea, Russian news agencies reported.

Belousov is scheduled to hold talks with a number of North Korean “military and political leaders” during his visit to Pyongyang, the source said.

He was welcomed in Pyongyang by his North Korean counterpart, No Kwang-chol, the statement said.

Russia and North Korea have strengthened their military ties since the war in Ukraine began.

They signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement in June. The treaty commits them to providing each other with military assistance in the event of an attack and to helping resist Western sanctions.

The United States and South Korea have also accused nuclear-armed North Korea of ​​sending more than 10,000 troops to help Russia fight in Ukraine. Experts say leader Kim Jong Un is keen to gain advanced technology and combat experience for his military.

Both North Korea and Russia are facing UN sanctions over their nuclear weapons programs and the war in Ukraine.