During President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang, Russian ministers were abruptly asked to leave the negotiation room by a North Korean official for entering before leader Kim Jong Un. The incident was captured live by North Korean state media.
Following the incident, Russia and North Korea signed a strategic treaty with a mutual defense clause, which Putin described as a “breakthrough.” Putin expressed readiness for potential military-technical cooperation with North Korea.
Kim Jong Un referred to Putin as the “dearest friend of the Korean people” and pledged full support to Russia amidst the war in Ukraine and the UN sanctions on Moscow. In return, Putin thanked Kim for his unwavering support and called for a review of the UN sanctions on North Korea.
The diplomatic exchange highlighted the close relationship between the two nations and their defiance against international sanctions.
AFP contributed reporting.