Russian news agency Interfax says North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has expressed his wish to visit Russia.

Interfax also quoted Presidential Representative Constantin Pulikovsky of Russia's Far East as saying that North Korea is developing nuclear programs as it has no other alternative energy source.

Pulikovsky said North Korea currently has two choices to solve the energy shortage problem receiving energy aid from neighboring countries or developing its own energy source complete with nuclear facilities. Pulikovsky said the North is currently opting for the latter choice.

Kim visited Russia's Far East in August 2002 and met Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kim also visited Russia in August last year.