In a historic moment, North Korea and Russia have solidified their alliance by signing a treaty with a mutual defense clause. The agreement was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during Putin’s rare visit to Pyongyang.
The treaty, known as a “comprehensive strategic partnership agreement,” marks a significant elevation of relations between the two nations, particularly since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While the full details of the agreement have not been disclosed, Putin confirmed that it includes a provision for mutual assistance in case of aggression against either party.
Kim Jong Un hailed Russia as North Korea’s “most honest friend and comrade,” emphasizing the peaceful and defensive nature of the treaty. This development has raised concerns among Western leaders, who view the growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea as a breach of international norms.
Experts believe that Kim Jong Un has leveraged his support for Russia’s military actions to garner favorable concessions. The implications of this alliance on global geopolitics remain to be seen.