Russia and North Korea will work together against the U.S. and economic sanctions and expand military cooperation, according to a letter penned by Russian leader Vladimir Putin and a North Korean editorial, both published Tuesday.

Putin is set to arrive in Pyongyang later Tuesday with a large delegation, including his top defense, space agency and foreign affairs officials, to hold high-stakes talks with Kim. He is scheduled to stay one night before departing for Vietnam on Wednesday.

“We will develop alternative trade and mutual settlement mechanisms not controlled by the West,” Putin said in his letter, which appeared on the