Russian delegation arrives in Pyongyang for trade, science talks: KCNA

A Russian government delegation has arrived in Pyongyang for talks on trade and science cooperation, the North's state media said Wednesday, as the two countries seek to strengthen ties following the rare summit between their leaders in September.

The delegation, led by its Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, arrived Tuesday to take part in the 10th meeting of the Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology between the two countries, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

Working-level officials of the two sides were seriously discussing the "practical issues of realizing cooperation in various fields to be reflected in the protocol of the meeting," the KCNA said in an English-language article.

The delegation's visit came amid concerns over a suspected arms agreement between the two countries, with Pyongyang believed to be receiving technological support from Russia to put its spy military satellite into orbit after two botched attempts.

In a reception at the Koryo Hotel in Pyongyang the previous day, senior officials pledged to further promote their bilateral ties in a follow-up to the Sept. 13 summit, according to the KCNA.

Yun Jong-ho, the North's minister of external economic relations, said it is the North's stance to "further revitalize the bilateral relations in all fields and develop them onto a new high stage."

In response, Kozlov said the two countries are "fighting shoulder to shoulder in the forefront against the dominationist forces" and Russia is "desirous" of developing "substantial cooperation" in accordance with the agreements reached during the summit.

In a separate article, the KCNA said a delegation led by North Korean culture minister left for Saint Petersburg on Tuesday to attend a cultural forum. (Yonhap)