Russia and North Korea ink ‘Strategic Partnership’ agreement in Pyongyang
The North Korean leader described the treaty as raising bilateral relations ‘to the level of an alliance.’
A comprehensive “strategic partnership” treaty was signed on June 19 by the leaders of Russia and North Korea during a summit in Pyongyang.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in North Korea the day before, stated that the newly signed pact entails defending each other in case of external attack.
After a signing ceremony with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Mr. Putin remarked that the agreement also facilitates cooperation in economic, commercial, cultural, and humanitarian areas.
The treaty will set “comprehensive benchmarks for deepening Russia–Korea relations in the long term,” according to Mr. Putin.
Mr. Kim emphasized the peaceful nature of the treaty, stating that it brings bilateral relations “to the level of an alliance.”
“I have no doubt that it will be a driving force towards the establishment of a new multipolar world,” the North Korean leader said.
He also expressed unwavering support for Moscow’s foreign policy, including its ongoing invasion of eastern Ukraine.
Mr. Putin’s visit to Pyongyang marks the first time in 24 years that he has visited the country.
Following his departure from North Korea on the evening of June 19, Mr. Putin and his delegation traveled to Hanoi for discussions with top Vietnamese officials.
Washington Concerns
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has openly sought to strengthen ties with Pyongyang—a development that has raised concerns in Washington.
Russian and North Korean officials have promised to enhance bilateral relations in various areas, including military technology.
Following a summit last year, Moscow stated that deepening ties with North Korea encompassed “military interaction and discussions on urgent security matters.”
There are frequent claims from the U.S. that Pyongyang is supplying Moscow with arms, particularly ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.
Mr. Putin addressed Western supplies of arms to Ukraine to strike inside Russian territory during his visit to Pyongyang.
As of now, U.S. officials have not commented on the partnership treaty signed between Russia and North Korea.
A State Department spokesperson emphasized that deeper relations between Russia and North Korea should raise concerns for stability in the region and compliance with international resolutions.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
