Russia’s defense chief says Moscow’s partnership with Pyongyang is intended to reduce the risk of a new war in Northeast Asia. 

Moscow-based state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov as saying this on Friday during talks with his North Korean counterpart, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, after Belousov arrived for an official visit to Pyongyang earlier in the day.

The Russian minister said the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership treaty plays a stabilizing role in Northeast Asia and helps maintain the balance of power in the region, to reduce the risk of the resumption of war on the peninsula and to lay the foundation for a new Eurasian security system. 

Belousov added that reliable ties between the leaders of the two countries play a key role in strengthening Russia-North Korea relations.

He noted that the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang in June demonstrated “the highest level of mutual trust” as well as a mutual desire “to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation amid a complex international situation.”

He also congratulated No on his appointment to the post of head of the military department, which took place in October.

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.