Russia’s defense chief arrived in North Korea on Friday for an official visit.

According to the Russian news agencies TASS and Sputnik, a welcoming ceremony for Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and his delegation took place at Sunan International Airport in Pyongyang, featuring the honor guard of the Korean People’s Army.

Belousov was greeted by North Korean Defense Minister Army General No Kwang-chol.

The Russian news agencies said the minister is expected to attend a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of the North’s military and military-political leadership during the trip.

Observers say the talks could focus on the increasing military cooperation between the two countries after the North sent troops to Russia in support of its military offensive in Ukraine.

It also comes after North Korean Foreign Minister  Choe Son-hui’s visit to Moscow earlier this month, during which she met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.