Russia says set up ‘comprehensive cooperation’ with North Korea

Russia says it has established an “active comprehensive cooperation” with North Korea.

Moscow maintains its strategic partnerships with India and China as well.

In a conference with the participation of foreign military attaches in Moscow on Thursday, Russia’s First Deputy Defense Minister Valery Gerasimov said, “The course towards developing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China and India continues. Active comprehensive cooperation has been established with the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea).”

In September, President Vladimir Putin hosted a one-on-one summit with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un in Moscow.

During the meeting, the Russian president said there were areas of potential military collaboration between the two countries in spite of numerous UN sanctions against North Korea over its weapons and ballistic missile programs. “There are certain restrictions.… Under the current rules, we also have opportunities, which we see and discuss,” the Russian president said.

The North Korean leader’s visit came after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea in July.

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