Russia and North Korea have concluded a new agreement designed to improve safety and maintenance standards of their carriers, a move that one expert said appears to be part of joint efforts to increase cooperation as they confront growing international isolation.

DPRK Ambassador Sin Hong-chol and Russian deputy transport minister Igor Chalik signed the deal late last week, according to North Korean state media. Russia’s transport ministry stated that the agreement ensures two-way recognition of safety checks, training certifications, flight simulator standards and mutually recognized maintenance and inspection standards.

Ed Condit, a retired commercial pilot and aviation consultant, told