Russia's security chief Shoygu meets North Korean leader Kim

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Head of Russian Security Council Sergey Shoygu met on Friday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, a government statement said.

Shoygu, a former defense minister, heads the delegation to the North Korean capital as part of the "ongoing strategic dialogue" between the two countries.

"On September 13, a delegation headed by Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergey Shoygu was in Pyongyang. As part of the ongoing strategic dialogue between our countries, a substantive exchange of views took place with Korean colleagues on a wide range of issues on the bilateral and international agenda. Shoygu was received by the Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Comrade Kim Jong Un," the readout said.

The meetings were held in an "exceptionally trusting and friendly atmosphere" and will help implement the agreements reached during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang in June.

President Vladimir Putin travelled to North Korea in June and signed a mutual defense pact. The West accuses Pyongyang of sending arms to Moscow for its war in Ukraine, a claim denied by both countries.