Sources in Beijing say North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is planning on visiting Russia's Far East and China's northeastern regions beginning from the end of this month.

The sources said Wednesday that during his visit to Russia, Kim is expected to hold summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The sources said the two leaders are likely to discuss ways to strengthen economic and military cooperation between their two countries as well as facilitating economic cooperation between the two Koreas and Russia.

After wrapping up his trip in Russia's Far East, the sources said Kim will head to China to inspect its northeastern regions.

Kim's possible visits are drawing much attention as they would come two months after Kim's visit to China and shortly after the conclusion of the third round of six-party nuclear talks currently underway in Beijing.

The North Korean leader last visited Russia in July 2001 and August 2002.