Kim Jong Un and the Russian defense minister spoke about fostering closer relations

The state-run KCNA news agency said on Sunday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke with Russia’s defense minister on practical matters related to enhancing military cooperation.

Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defense minister, and Kim spent Saturday inspecting Russian warships, hypersonic missiles, and strategic bombers that are nuclear-capable.

Kim and Shoigu “exchanged their constructive opinions on the practical issues arising in further strengthening the strategic and tactical coordination, cooperation and mutual exchange between the armed forces of the two countries and in the fields of their national defence and security,” according to KCNA.

Kim also visited Russia’s Pacific Sea navy, which is made up of strategic nuclear submarines and other military ships, according to KCNA, who also quoted Kim as thanking the navy for its role in promoting regional peace.

North Korea launched its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine” earlier this month.