SEOUL, March 18 (Yonhap) -- North Korean delegations for economy and public health affairs have left for Russia, state news media reported Tuesday, signaling active bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The government's economic delegation, led by Yun Jong-ho, external economic relations minister, left Pyongyang on Monday to visit Russia, the Korean Central News Agency (KNCA) reported.
The purpose of the visit was not specified, although the delegation is expected to possibly discuss strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
The visit follows the latest meeting of the North Korea-Russia economy cooperation committee, held in Pyongyang in November, where cooperation on energy, agriculture, science technology, public health and tourism was discussed.
The KCNA also reported that a separate working-level public health delegation also left for Russia the previous day, led by Public Health Minister Chon Sol-ryong.
Since the signing of a mutual defense treaty in Pyongyang in June between leader Kim Jong-un and President Vladimir Putin, North Korea and Russia have deepened relations across various sectors, with Pyongyang deploying thousands of troops to support Moscow in its war against Ukraine.
Also on Tuesday, the KCNA reported that a delegation from Russia's foreign ministry returned home Monday.
The Russian delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey [Rudenko](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250317009800320), had been visiting North Korea since Friday, and held meetings with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jong-gyu.
The North's state media did not provide details, but the two sides were expected to discuss defense matters related to North Korea's troop deployment to Russia amid a U.S.-proposed ceasefire for the war.
This file photo, captured from the Facebook account of the Russian Embassy in North Korea on March 27, 2024, shows Russian Ambassador to North Korea Aleksandr Matsegora (R) seeing off North Korean External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong-ho (R) prior to his departure from Pyongyang to Moscow the previous day. Yun was set to attend a working meeting of the North Korea-Russia science, technology, economy and trade committee. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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