Kremlin: It is our right to have a better relationship with North Korea

(Patria) - The Kremlin announced today that Russia's right to develop better relations with North Korea should not be questioned or cause concern, stating that the two countries have great potential for developing relations.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters who asked him to comment on Western fears that Moscow might revise its policy towards Pyongyang due to Western pressure on Russia over Ukraine, and especially that it might transfer missile and nuclear technology to it.

- It is our neighbor, it is a friendly country with which we are developing bilateral relations. We will continue to do so. We have great potential for developing relations.

We believe that our right to develop good relations with our neighbors should not concern anyone, and no one can and should challenge it - Peskov said.

The Russian newspaper Vedomosti reported on Monday that President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea and Vietnam in the coming weeks.

Putin is expected to visit North Korea in a few days, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported early today, citing a senior official in the presidential office.

Peskov today refused to provide the date or agenda of a possible visit.