Last week, Pyongyang said it had ratified a landmark defence pact with Russia, after Russian lawmakers voted unanimously in favour of the deal, which Putin later signed.
Noting the new treaty, Kim said his meeting with Kozlov was aimed at “further promoting” trade as well as “scientific and technological exchange,” according to KCNA.
The North Korean leader added the two countries’ relations “have reached a new strategic level”.
In exchange for North Korea’s sending troops, the West fears Russia is offering technological support that could advance Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme.
The reclusive state recently fired a salvo of ballistic missiles and tested a new solid-fuel ICBM, while Washington has said North Korean troops have begun combat operations alongside Russian forces.
FOREIGN POLICY REALIGNMENT?
Experts say Pyongyang could be using Ukraine as a means of realigning its foreign policy.
By sending soldiers, North Korea is positioning itself within the Russian war economy as a supplier of weapons, military support and labour – potentially even bypassing its traditional ally, neighbour and main trading partner, China, according to analysts.
Russia can also provide North Korea access to its vast natural resources, such as oil and gas, they say.
