Putin announces visit to Pyongyang

Russia has announced that President Vladimir Putin is planning to pay a visit to North Korea at the invitation of its leader, Kim Jong-il.

The visit -- expected to take place in July -- will be the first-ever by a Russian leader.

A senior Russian diplomat said strategic and military issues would be on the agenda, including Washington's plans to build a new missile defence system, which Russia vehemently opposes.

The BBC Seoul correspondent says Russia is keen to re-establish ties with Pyongyang -- partly to counter its developing links with Russia's great rival for influence in the region, China.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service