Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership pact during Putin’s landmark visit to Pyongyang.
A new treaty signed between North Korea and Russia provides for “mutual assistance” in case either country faces aggression, Putin said June 19 following talks in Pyongyang.
“The comprehensive partnership treaty signed today provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this treaty,” Putin was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.
Putin and Kim concluded one-on-one talks that lasted about two hours.
Kim told Putin that North Korea intends to further improve its strategic cooperation with Russia, and that Pyongyang will also unconditionally support all of Russia’s policies.
He also asserted that North Korea fully supports Russia’s war in Ukraine
North Korea “expresses full support and solidarity with the Russian government, army and people in carrying out a special military operation in Ukraine to protect their sovereignty, security interests, as well as territorial integrity,” Kim said.
The Russian president said Moscow is fighting the hegemonic, imperialist policies of the United States and its allies as Russia seeks to forge a united front against the West.
Putin noted that the relations between Russia and North Korea are based on “equality and mutual respect,” adding that a new document has been prepared for stable and long-term relations between North Korea and Russia.
Putin landed at the Pyongyang airport earlier in the day, where he was greeted by North Korean leader personally. This was the Russian president’s first visit since 2000.
Back in September 2023, DPRK leader Kim traveled to Russia and discussed military cooperation between the two countries.
North Korea’s state news agency KCNA also said the countries’ partnership is an “engine for accelerating the building of a new multi-polar world” and Putin’s visit demonstrates the invincibility and durability of their friendship and unity.” (PressTV.ir)
