The two countries have vowed to expand bilateral relations after North Korea sent troops and weapons in support of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The South Korean military suspects that North Korea might have received technological or financial support from Russia in building the newly launched destroyer Choe Hyon. Analysts quoted by Newsweek believe it was part of the compensation that Pyongyang provides to Moscow regarding the war in Ukraine.

North Korea and Russia have begun building their first road link, the two countries announced, hailing the construction of a bridge over a border river as a major development that will further expand their booming ties.