Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have signed a pact requiring their countries to assist each other if either is attacked.
This mutual defense clause, part of a comprehensive strategic partnership described by Kim as an “alliance,” has heightened Western concerns about the growing economic and military ties between North Korea and Russia.
The deal was finalized on Wednesday after extensive talks in Pyongyang, marking Putin’s second summit with Kim in nine months. This was Putin’s first visit to North Korea in 24 years.
“The comprehensive partnership agreement signed today includes mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties,” Putin stated, according to the Russian state news agency Tass.
Although specific details of the agreement were not disclosed, Putin described the pact as “defensive,” affirming North Korea’s right to self-defense and hinting at potential military-technical cooperation with North Korea.
Kim hailed the agreement as the “strongest ever treaty” between the two nations, elevating their relationship to a higher level of alliance. He emphasized that the pact would foster closer political, economic, and military cooperation, contributing to the creation of a new multipolar world.
Putin arrived at Pyongyang’s international airport early Wednesday, greeted by Kim.
They traveled through the capital’s brightly lit streets adorned with Russian flags and portraits of Putin. A welcoming ceremony followed at Kim Il-sung Square, where they saluted a guard of honor and walked across a red carpet to meet key members of Kim’s inner circle, including Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Kim’s sister, Kim Yo-jong.
Tens of thousands of spectators, including children with balloons and people in coordinated T-shirts representing the Russian and North Korean flags, gathered in the square.
During the talks, Putin expressed gratitude for North Korea’s support in the Ukraine conflict, framing it as part of a broader struggle against US and its allies’ imperialist policies. The leaders exchanged gifts: a luxury Russian-made Aurus limo and tea set for Kim, and items related to Putin’s image, including busts. Putin later drove Kim through Pyongyang in the Aurus limo.