Russia and North Korea on Wednesday signed a new “comprehensive strategic partnership” as Western officials grow increasingly concerned about the implications of President Vladimir Putin’s first state visit to the nuclear-armed country in 24 years.
Russian state media reported the inking of the partnership, which included a mutual defense pact, hours after Putin arrived in Pyongyang to receive a red carpet greeting from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a welcome ceremony attended by thousands.
The Russian president’s lavish reception included praise from Kim, who expressed full support and solidarity with Moscow, including for its “special military operation” in Ukraine, according to the state-owned news agency Tass.
In reciprocation, Putin reportedly gifted Kim another new Aurus (a Russian-built limousine), an admiral’s dagger and a tea set, in a move symbolic of the two country’s growing ties.
Russian officials had signaled plans for the strategic partnership ahead of Putin’s two-day trip. The new document replaces previous treaties and reportedly covers cooperation across politics, economics, culture, humanities and security.
“The comprehensive partnership agreement signed today provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties to this agreement,” Tass quoted Putin as saying.
