MOSCOW, February 4. /TASS/. Russia has set up a Business Council for Cooperation with North Korea to ensure comfortable interaction between the business communities of both countries, Russian Commerce and Industry Chamber Vice-President Vladimir Strashko said at the council’s founding meeting on Wednesday.

The Business Council will assist Russian companies in searching for business partners in North Korea and elaborate specific trade and investment projects and arrange exhibition events, business meetings and congresses, he said.

"This is undoubtedly a new stage of business cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which will significantly strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries," Strashko said.

The Business Council was established with the active participation of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and industry, the Foreign Ministry, the Economic Development Ministry, the Ministry for Far East Development and Russia's embassy in North Korea.