North Korea, Russia Developing Bilateral Relations, Sign Agreement On Economic Exchanges

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister met his Russian counterpart in Moscow on Thursday to discuss the development of bilateral relations between the countries.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Monday that Im Chon Il and Igor Morgulov signed a “2019-2020 plan of exchange” and agreed to promote economic cooperation as well as “boost high-level contact and exchange in the political field.”

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement Thursday describing the meeting.

“The sides discussed topical issues in the development of bilateral relations, including a schedule of political contacts and prospects for promoting cooperation in practical areas. An exchange of views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula took place,” the statement read.

The North Korean minister also met Sergei Vershinin, Russian vice-foreign minister in charge of international organizations, on Saturday. During the meeting, “special attention was paid to the situation on the Korean peninsula and the tasks of its comprehensive settlement with due use of the potential of the U.N. Security Council.”

The meetings between the two sides in March are a part of an effort to improve North Korea-Russia relations as this year marks the “anniversary of the conclusion of the DPRK-Russia agreement on economic and cultural cooperation.”

A delegation of the Russian Federal Assembly also visited Pyongyang on Saturday as a part of the celebration. A Russian art troupe was also in the country to “perform at a gala reception in honor of the [70th] anniversary, and will give two concerts for the residents of Pyongyang in one of the capital’s main venues – the Ponghwa Art Theatre.”

Earlier in March, the two nations held the 9th Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) for Cooperation in Trade, Economics, Science, and Technology in Moscow, during which they discussed joint projects -- including a new cross-border bridge and a “trading house” based in Vladivostok.

Pyongyang has been in regular talks with Russia since the collapse of the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump at the end of February, after the two sides failed to sign an agreement on the East Asian country's denuclearization.

In early March, the press secretary of the Russian president Vladimir Putin confirmed the North Korean leader will visit Moscow.

"Such a visit is indeed on the agenda. We hope that the precise date and venue will be determined via diplomatic channels within the foreseeable future,” said Dmitry Peskov, Al Jazeera reported.