Kim Jong Un discusses stronger ties, arms co-operation with Russian defence minister

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu spoke about regional security environment.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu discussed practical issues to boost military cooperation, state media said on September 17.

During his visit to Russia, Kim inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships on September 16, accompanied by Shoigu, as per a Reuters report.

Russia's RIA news agency reported that continuing his now week-long train journey, Kim will go to several food enterprises.

The trip by the North Korean leader, who rarely leaves his country, comes as "a fresh heyday of friendship and solidarity and cooperation is being opened up in the history of the development of the relations between the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and Russia," state KCNA news agency said.

Also Read | North Korea's Kim Jong Un tells Vladimir Putin deepening ties is 'number one priority'

Kim and Shoigu also spoke about the regional security environment and exchanged views on “practical issues arising in further strengthening the strategic and tactical coordination, cooperation and mutual exchange between the armed forces of the two countries,” KCNA further added.

Kim met Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 13 at a Russian space centre discussed military matters, the war in Ukraine and deepening cooperation.

The United States and its allies worry about military ties between Russia and North Korea as the former continues its invasion of Ukraine and the latter proceeds with missile and nuclear development, as per the Reuters report.

South Korea and the U.S. said on September 15 that military ties between North Korea and Russia would violate U.N. sanctions against North Korea's capital Pyongyang.

In Pics | Kim Jong Un's famous handshakes with world leaders over the years

Kim also toured Russia's Pacific Sea Fleet, equipped with strategic nuclear submarines among other military vessels, KCNA said, quoting him as praising the fleet for its contribution to peace in the region.

With inputs from agencies