UN diplomatic sources say arrangements are being made for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council next Friday to discuss a new treaty between Russia and North Korea that strengthens bilateral military cooperation.

The sources say Japan and the United States are among countries calling for a Security Council meeting to discuss the matter.

The new treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang stipulates that if either of them is placed under a state of war, the other will provide military and other assistance.

Officials of countries such as Japan, the US and South Korea criticized and expressed concern over the treaty, saying that it will lead to worsening of the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.