Russian defence minister in North Korea for security talks

Russian Defence Minister Andrey Removich Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday for military discussions, Russia's defence ministry said, following a strategic partnership treaty signed in June between the two countries.

The Russian defence chief was welcomed in Pyongyang by his North Korean counterpart, No Kwang Chol, with a military band playing tunes. Russia and North Korea have strengthened their military ties.

The two countries signed a strategic partnership treaty in June which was ratified recently, providing for mutual military assistance.