Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal as Kim pledges ‘full support’ for Putin’s Ukraine war
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday signed a new partnership that includes a vow of mutual aid if either country faces “aggression,” in a pact that came as both face escalating standoffs with the West.
Details of the deal were not immediately clear, but it could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. Both leaders described it as a major upgrade of their relations, covering security, trade, investment and cultural and humanitarian ties.
The two met as Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years. The summit came as the U.S. and its allies express growing concerns over a possible arms arrangement in which the country provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile program.
Putin said that it was a “breakthrough document” reflecting shared desire to move relations to a higher level.
(AP)
Read more on FRANCE 24 English
Read also:
Putin vows 'indivisible security in Eurasia' ahead of North Korea visit
Kim promises Putin North Korea’s full support for Russia’s 'sacred fight'
'Close to zero': Kremlin dismisses outcome of Ukraine talks held without Russia
