Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un exchanged signed documents during a ceremony in Pyongyang on June 19.
The Russian president and the North Korean leader formalized a pact obliging each country to assist the other if attacked, a clause that has heightened Western concerns over their increasing economic and military collaboration.
This mutual defense clause was part of a comprehensive strategic partnership, which Kim termed an “alliance.”
The agreement, finalized after extensive talks in Pyongyang, marked Putin’s second meeting with Kim in nine months.
Putin, during his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, stated that the partnership agreement included provisions for mutual defense in case of aggression, according to the Russian news agency Tass.
Although details of the support were not disclosed, Putin labeled the pact as “defensive” and hinted at potential military-technical cooperation with North Korea.
Kim praised the deal as the “strongest ever treaty” between the nations, promising closer political, economic, and military ties and advocating for a new multipolar world.
The visit has drawn significant attention from the US and South Korea, worried that the military cooperation could enhance Russia’s efforts in Ukraine and escalate tensions on the Korean peninsula.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Russia’s engagement with North Korea underscores its desperation to sustain its war against Ukraine.
Blinken mentioned that North Korea is supplying munitions to Russia, while Iran is providing drones and other weaponry.
During a previous summit in Vladivostok, Kim reportedly agreed to supply missiles and weaponry for Russia’s use in Ukraine, in exchange for food, energy aid, and assistance with North Korea’s space program.
Putin was warmly received in Pyongyang, where Kim met him at the airport.
The leaders attended a welcoming ceremony in Kim Il-sung Square, saluting a guard of honor and addressing the crowd, which included children and people wearing the colors of the Russian and North Korean flags.
Putin thanked Kim for North Korea’s support in the Ukraine conflict, framing it as part of a broader struggle against US imperialism.
The two exchanged gifts, with Kim receiving a luxury Russian-made Aurus limo and a tea set, and Putin receiving items related to his image.
Putin later drove Kim through Pyongyang in the Aurus limo.
