Russian and North Korean state-run media say Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang on Friday.



Russia's Tass news agency says Shoigu, a former defense minister, is due to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.



The two countries have been deepening their military cooperation as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.



During Shoigu's visit, the two sides are expected to discuss Pyongyang's provision of troops and artillery to Russia, and Moscow's offering military technical support in return.



The two countries are also believed to be coordinating the timing of a summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin.



Russia says its Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko discussed the itinerary for "top-level contacts" when he met North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Pyongyang last Saturday.