Russia has opened a direct air route between Moscow and Pyogyang in a move reflecting closer ties between the two countries.

Russia's natural resources minister has visited North Korea for a meeting on trade and technology cooperation, traveling aboard the first flight of the resumed direct air route between Moscow and Pyongyang,

As another sign of deepening bilateral relations, Russia is set to launch direct passenger flights from Moscow to Pyongyang on July 27, marking the first air connection between the two capitals in decades.