Pyongyang: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit North Korea later this week, as reported by North Korea's state media on Wednesday. Lavrov's visit is scheduled from Friday to Sunday, invited by the North Korean foreign ministry, according to the Korean Central News Agency, which did not provide additional details.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the visit is taking place amid increased bilateral cooperation and exchanges between Russia and North Korea over the past year. This development follows the signing of a mutual defense treaty in June in Pyongyang, marking a significant step in the countries' relations. The visit is seen as an effort to further enhance diplomatic and defense ties between the two nations.