In the summit held in Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un signed a comprehensive strategic treaty of friendship. Among other things, the document included mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties. According to Putin, this is a unique document that brings bilateral relations to an absolutely new qualitative level.
In addition to military and technical cooperation fully in line with the treaty, Putin suggested that there was a need to reconsider the sanctions against North Korea adopted by the United Nations. He defended the right of North Korea to strengthen its defensive capacity in protecting its sovereignty, denouncing attempts that aim at blaming the country for raising tensions.
Kim Jong-un described the stronger friendship between North Korea and Russia as a monument in their bilateral relationship. He expressed satisfaction with the treaty, convinced that it manifests the strategic character of their relations in development against the global backdrop.
The summit follows one-on-one talks between the two leaders in the Russian Far East a year ago, amid the Russia facing international sanctions related to its conflict in Ukraine. This kind of strengthening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has sounded concerns all over the world, particularly in arms transactions and potential technological exchanges.
Details of a new treaty on the terms of partnership have not been fully disclosed, although apparently it would replace previous bilateral agreements focused on non-military cooperation since 2000. Historical precedent includes a North Korea and former Soviet Union treaty dating from 1961 which underscored mutual aid in times of military conflict.
Kim Jong-un pledged that North Korea would come to full support for Russia regarding the situation in Ukraine, guided by common strategic interests and commitment to further strengthening cooperation. Putin was grateful for support from North Korea and did not forget to suggest that the next summit be held in Moscow, reflecting the fact that the diplomatic relationship between the two countries has continued.
In the future, greater care would be taken about economic cooperation in view of UN Security Council resolutions binding their hands terribly over pains taken by North Korea on its nuclear and missile programs. Specific agreements relating to healthcare, medical education, and scientific collaboration were inked to underline the much broader nature of bilateral engagement beyond military affairs.
In a nutshell, if military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang continues to evolve, it will not turn out to be less active compared to the existing diplomatic and economic ties, and might probably reshape regional dynamics amid broader international relations.
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