North Korean diplomats in Gabon and Mali have met with local officials in recent weeks to push forward medical cooperation with the two African nations, the latest example of Pyongyang’s efforts to maintain economic ties on the continent during the pandemic.

DPRK Ambassador Kim Myong Sik met with Gabon’s health minister Guy Patrick Obiang Ndong on Aug. 4, discussing health diplomacy and a “draft memorandum of understanding in health cooperation” between the two countries, according to Gabon’s health ministry.