A Russian state-run news agency says the country has reached a basic agreement with North Korea to import its apples. The move is seen as a way to make up for the anticipated shortfall in domestic apple production this year, amid strengthening ties with North Korea.
Tass reported the news on Monday. The volume and timing of imports have not been disclosed.
Moscow and Pyongyang have been rapidly strengthening their ties. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years to hold a summit with leader Kim Jong Un. The two leaders signed a new treaty to boost mutual military support.
The Russian government has revised downward its forecast for this year’s apple harvest from 1.8 million tons to 1.5 million tons due to bad weather. It said the country plans to secure supplies from friendly countries.