Russian-N. Korean trade increases ninefold in 2023, but still modest in absolute terms - Putin

PYONGYANG. June 19 (Interfax) - Russian-North Korean economic interaction has good prospects, although trade is currently modest, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"As for trade, the absolute figures are currently modest, but there are very good dynamics," Putin said following talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"Trade increased ninefold in 2023 and by another 54% in the first five months of this year," Putin said. This includes "various areas of interaction," he said.