Russia's defense minister has hinted it may hold joint military drills with Pyongyang.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Sergei Shoigu said the two countries are discussing military exercises.

Russia has already been conducting joint drills with China. Shoigu said Russia's strategic bombers patrol with their "Chinese colleagues."

South Korea's National Intelligence Service initially reported the news at a National Assembly meeting Monday.

Lawmakers who were present say Shoigu allegedly proposed the idea during talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late July. But it's unclear how North Korea responded.