U.S.-based Voice of America reported on Saturday that Russia plans to push for military exercises with North Korea this year.
 
Russia's Chief of the General Staff Valeriy Gerasimov said at a high-ranking defense meeting on Friday that Russia is planning to hold large-scale military talks with North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba and Brazil and hopes to hold combined exercises with the countries later this year.
 
Gerasimov said Russia is placing higher priority on its defense ministry to prevent the U.S. and NATO from gaining strength and that Russia would increase contact with its historical allies.
 
In December last year, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev instructed the defense ministry to conduct negotiations with North Korea and sign an agreement to prevent military activity.
 
According to a draft of the agreement, the two parties are to display high caution when working with each other and create a system where military officials can freely communicate.
 
In November last year, No Kwang-chol, deputy chief of the General Staff of the North's military met with his Russian counterpart to discuss ways to expand bilateral military cooperation.