A delegation from Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service visited North Korea’s capital Pyongyang between Monday and Wednesday and discussed strengthening cooperation in the fight against espionage, state media KCNA said on Thursday, as quoted by Reuters.

Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russian espionagePhoto: Kommersant photo agency / ddp USA / Profimedia

Director of the Bureau Serhiy Naryshkin and North Korea’s Minister of State Security Ri Chang Dae briefed each other on the international and regional situation regarding the Korean Peninsula and Russia, KCNA reported.

Intelligence and ministry officials also held working-level talks during the visit, KCNA added.

The two sides also discussed further strengthening cooperation to combat “increasing espionage and plotting by enemy forces,” the state-run news agency said.

A North Korean delegation in Vietnam led by Kim Song Nam, director of the international department of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, met with Truong Thi Mai, a permanent member of the Communist Party’s central committee secretariat, in Hanoi on Tuesday. Party of Vietnam.

According to KCNA, the parties discussed strengthening cooperation and improving relations.

The meetings come as North Korea seeks to expand its diplomatic engagement following a COVID-19 lockdown.