In a historic move, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Russia have signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevating their bilateral relations to a new level of alliance. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Pyongyang, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Thursday.
The treaty signifies a significant advancement in DPRK-Russia relations, with DPRK’s leader Kim Jong Un describing it as “the most powerful treaty in the history of the DPRK-Russia relations.” President Putin hailed the agreement as an “actual breakthrough document” that reflects both nations’ aspirations to enhance their ties.
According to KCNA, the treaty includes a clause stipulating mutual support if either country is invaded. Russia does not rule out military technical cooperation with the DPRK under this agreement, signaling a deepening of defense ties between the two nations.
The summit featured a private meeting between Kim and Putin that lasted more than two hours. The leaders reached a consensus on building a comprehensive strategic partnership and agreed on measures to defend regional and global peace and international justice.
An extended bilateral meeting with senior officials from both countries preceded the private talks. Kim expressed full support and solidarity with Russia regarding its special military operations in Ukraine, reaffirming the DPRK government’s stance on the issue.
In addition to the treaty, both governments signed agreements on constructing a motorcar bridge over the River Tuman, which borders the two countries, and on cooperation in public health, medical education, and science.
The DPRK honored President Putin with the Order of Kim Il Sung, the nation’s highest medal of honor, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening DPRK-Russia relations. A banquet was also held in his honor.
President Putin concluded his state visit on Wednesday night, with Kim seeing him off at Pyongyang International Airport, marking the end of a visit filled with high-profile events and significant diplomatic achievements.
