Sources say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to visit a fighter jet manufacturing plant in Russia following his summit with President Vladimir Putin. Analysts say Kim will explore possible military cooperation with Russia.
Kim has been traveling on his special train since he held in-depth talks with Putin over military technology cooperation during their meeting at a spaceport in Russia's Far Eastern region of Amur on Wednesday.
The sources say Kim is expected to visit the aircraft factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in the Russian Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk as early as Friday.
Later, Kim is expected to travel to the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok to view the Pacific Fleet of the Russian navy.
Putin has indicated he will allow Kim to observe some of the fleet's capabilities. Local media say Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu will accompany the North Korean leader on the visit.
Shoigu said on September 4 that Russia was discussing "with everyone, including North Korea," possible three-way joint military exercises with China.
Analysts say Russia is trying to ratchet up military cooperation with North Korea amid a widening rift with Western nations.