Posted on 06/19/24
| News Source: i24
During his visit to the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia and North Korea pledged to help each other if either nation is attacked in a "breakthrough" new partnership. The parties signed a comprehensive agreement pact that includes a mutual defence clause.
The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the agreement as "peaceful and defensive in nature." Putin said it did not rule out "the provision of mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties to this agreement."
After thousands of North Koreans chanted "Welcome Putin" as the Russian leader kicked off his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, the parties also signed agreements on constructing a border road bridge and cooperation on health, medical education and science.
Speaking after reportedly lengthy talks, Putin shared that the parties extensively discussed global affairs and that Moscow and Pyongyang stood together against politically motivated sanctions regimes.
Kim, in his turn, described Putin as "the dearest friend of the Korean people", saying that "at this moment, when the whole world is paying close attention to Pyongyang, where the friendship mission from Russia has arrived, I stand with Russian comrades – our most honest friends and comrades."
The strengthening friendship between North Korea and Russia concerns the world, as both conflict with at least some of their neighbours and global players.
Ahead of the meeting, Chang Ho-jin, the South Korean National Security Adviser and a former ambassador to Russia warned his Russian counterpart against going "beyond a certain point" in exploring the alliance with Pyongyang. He said that Moscow "should take into consideration which among North Korea and South Korea will be more important to it, once Russia ends its war with Ukraine."