Russia’s Gazprom, the world’s largest producer of natural gas, is interested in exploring for gas deposits in North Korea, a press release from the Russian Ministry of Far East Development released April 27 reads.

According to Interfax news agency, the Russian exploration company Rosgeo is also interested in carrying out exploratory work off North Korea’s east and west coasts.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the two countries had signed a protocol focusing on cooperation. The document included provisions for gas exploration and the development of North Korea’s mineral resources.

Interfax, who saw the protocol, reported it allows for