Pyongyang: Russia's interior minister has arrived in North Korea for discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in law enforcement between the two countries, a Russian news report revealed Tuesday. The visit underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in various sectors.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a delegation led by Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev reached Pyongyang on a working visit the previous day. Kolokoltsev is scheduled to engage in talks with North Korean Minister of Public Security Pang Tu-sop. The discussions will focus on collaboration between the two nations in the realm of law enforcement.

North Korea's state media confirmed Kolokoltsev's visit, noting that it was made at the invitation of the Ministry of Public Security. The visit is part of broader efforts by North Korea and Russia to expand cooperation in military, economic, and other areas since the signing of a mutual defense treaty in June 2024.

Kolokoltsev's trip appears to be a reciprocal visit following Pang's trip to Russia in September. During that visit, the two countries signed an agreement to enhance cooperation on public safety and law enforcement matters. North Korea's public security ministry, which is responsible for maintaining public order, serves a similar role to South Korea's national police agency.

In March, during a key parliamentary meeting, North Korea announced plans to introduce a police system, which signals that the public security ministry may be transitioning into a police body. This visit by Russia's interior minister is seen as a step towards furthering these developments.