Russia plans to send a business delegation to North Korea this autumn, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA) Thursday.

The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East announced through its website that Minister Alexander Galushka met with Kim Young-jae, the North Korean ambassador to Russia, to discuss measures to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.

In the meeting, Galushka stated that he planned to observe North Korean economic development zones (EDZs) this autumn, saying, "Russian businesses are very interested in being introduced to such North Korean zones."

North Korea added six new EDZs last month, including the Eunjung Technology Development Zone, and has announced 19 such zones since last year.

Galushka stated that in order to increase Russian-North Korean economic ties, it was important for North Korea to fulfill promises to modify laws to protect investors and to issue long-term visas to Russian entrepreneurs.

In response, Ambassador Kim declared that North Korea values agreements with Russia and will make efforts to fulfill their promises.

Russia and North Korea has been strengthening economic ties as of late, seen recently through a joint ceremony for the completion of Port Najin's third pier held last month.