DPRK ratifies defense treaty with Russia
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The DPRK ratifies a landmark mutual defense treaty with Russia after the latter approved the treaty last week.
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A TV screen shows a file image of DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang, during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, on November 12, 2024. (AP)
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) ratified a landmark defense pact with Russia, deepening security cooperation, state media reported on Tuesday.
The agreement formalizes months of tightening military bonds between the two nations.
Seoul and its ally, the United States, accused the DPRK of sending thousands of troops to Russia, where they have been allegedly provided with Russian uniforms and are reportedly stationed near the border close to Kursk, which Moscow and Pyongyang denied.
On Tuesday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the deal "was ratified as a decree" of leader Kim Jong Un. The notice came after Russian lawmakers voted unanimously last week to ratify the deal.
"The treaty will take effect from the day when both sides exchanged the ratification instruments," KCNA said.
On Sunday, Putin officially ratified the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, strengthening military and political ties with the heavily sanctioned state amid growing international tensions.
The treaty, initially signed by Putin and DPRK leader Kim Jong-un during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June, includes mutual pledges of defense and a commitment to oppose Western sanctions.
The agreement committed both countries to provide "immediate" military assistance in the event of an attack on either side and to collaborate internationally in opposing Western sanctions.
Putin hailed the deal in June as a "breakthrough document".
He added, “The document on comprehensive partnership that we signed today provides, among other things, for mutual aid in case of aggression against one of the participants."
Putin stated that Moscow supports Pyongyang’s right to protect its security and sovereignty from potential Western aggression. He also attributed the rising tensions in the region to the actions of the US and its allies.
