Joint tourism, agriculture projects discussed at meeting with N. Korean leader - Governor of Russia's Primorye

VLADIVOSOK. Sept 12 (Interfax) - The Russian and North Korean sides discussed cooperation in tourism and agriculture after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia's Primorye Territory, Oleg Kozhemyako, the region's governor, said.

"We spoke about our expectations for setting up joint projects related to developing tourism [and] agriculture this year, and certainly, issues related to construction. Commissions will now work on these mechanisms," Kozhemyako wrote on his Telegram channel.

"Hopefully, Korea's healthcare [system] will lift restrictions to enable closer contacts. But the visit of comrade Kim Jong Un to Russia in itself is a sign that these contacts will continue not only at the level of heads of state, but also at the level of working groups and various commissions, and most importantly, at the level of those business and economic ties, friendly ties which have always linked our countries. We have proposed several options for cooperation," Kozhemyako said.

If possible, a delegation from Primorye Territory will visit North Korea after health-related restrictions are lifted, he said.

Kozhemyako said that Kim's train earlier arrived at the Khasan station. Kim took part in talks with Russian Natural Resources and Environment Minister Alexander Kozlov after an official welcome ceremony.