More than a year after North Korea shut its borders to protect against COVID-19, a top Russian diplomat gave a glimpse into the country’s state of affairs, describing medicine shortages, public transit restrictions and new virus disinfection centers that could help resume trade.

On Monday, the Russian Embassy’s Facebook page posted an Interfax News Agency interview with Ambassador Alexander Matsegora, who said that borders will be opened for trade with Russia and China “after some time.” According to Matsegora, “large disinfection complexes” are being built at border crossing points “to ensure the safe entry of imported goods” after Pyongyang nearly put a full stop to foreign trade activities last summer.