Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in Pyongyang on Wednesday, including a clause covering mutual assistance in case of aggression against either country, Russian media said, underlining their increasingly close military cooperation.
Putin, following his talks with Kim, was quoted by Tass news agency as saying that Russia “does not rule out developing military and technical cooperation” with North Korea in accordance with the newly signed pact.
The signing of the treaty, which also covers cooperation in a wide range of areas, including politics and the economy, came as enhanced military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang have raised concerns among Western nations amid Russia’s war against Ukraine and North Korea’s missile development.
Kim told a joint press conference that bilateral relations have reached “a new high level of alliance” while describing the pact as “purely peaceful and defensive,” according to Russian media reports.
Putin also said the U.N. sanctions regime against North Korea over its missile and nuclear development programs should be revised, Russian media said.
“We will continue to oppose the practice of sanctions strangulation as a tool that the West is accustomed to using to maintain its hegemony in politics, economy and other spheres,” Putin was quoted by Tass as saying.
The Russian leader, on his first visit to the Asian country in 24 years, expressed his appreciation of North Korea’s “consistent and unwavering support” for Russia’s policies concerning its war against Ukraine that began in 2022, the news agency said.
Kim promised at the talks North Korea’s “full support and solidarity” with Russia over the invasion, framing it as “protecting sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity.” He also praised Moscow’s role in “preserving global strategic stability and balance,” Tass said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nd from L) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (2nd from R) hold talks in Pyongyang in June 19, 2024.
Pyongyang has been accused of providing arms to Moscow to aid its aggression. Ukraine said in January that Moscow has used North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles in its invasion.
Moscow is suspected of assisting and guiding North Korea in its bid to launch military spy satellites.
The new document, which Putin said will serve as the “basis for our relations in the long term,” replaces past bilateral accords, including the Treaty of Friendship and Good-Neighborhood Cooperation of 2000, according to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov.
The North Korean leader pledged to strengthen strategic cooperation with Moscow, adding he sees bilateral relations as entering a “period of new prosperity,” according to Tass.
Putin noted Russia has been fighting against “decades of hegemony and imperialist policies” imposed by the United States and its allies. The Russian leader expressed hope that his next meeting with Kim will be held in Moscow, the news agency said.
Before the summit meeting, an official welcoming ceremony for Putin was held at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. Earlier in the day, Kim welcomed the Russian president at a Pyongyang airport, where they shook hands and hugged.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (front L) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hug each other at Pyongyang International Airport on June 19, 2024.
The North Korean leader expressed his joy and gladness to see Putin again since their last meeting in Russia’s Far East last September, the official Korean Central News Agency said.
After being presented with a bouquet, Putin thanked Kim for coming to the airport. The North Korean leader personally guided his Russian counterpart to his accommodation while they had a friendly chat, KCNA said.
KCNA said Putin’s visit is “of great importance in reliably promoting the strategic and future-oriented development” of bilateral relations, “powerfully propelling the cause of building a powerful country, a desire common to the peoples” of North Korea and Russia.
In September last year, Putin met Kim at the Vostochny Cosmodrome space launch center in the Russian Far East. At the time, Kim invited Putin to visit his country, according to KCNA.
BY: The Times Union / KYODO
