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, underscoring their increasingly close military cooperation.
Kim told a joint press conference following his talks with Putin 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 was quoted by Tass news agency as saying 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.
Putin also said the U.N. sanctions regime against North Korea over its missile and nuclear development programs should be reviewed, Tass reported.
