DPRK vows unconditional support for Russia, deepens military ties
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The DPRK pledges unwavering support for Russia's sovereignty and military operations, including joint action in the Kursk Region, under a growing strategic alliance.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin greets North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on November 4, 2024. (Mikhail Tereshchenko, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has declared its unconditional and unwavering support for Russia's efforts to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty. During the second round of strategic dialogue between Russia and the DPRK held in Wonsan on Friday, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui emphasized the commitment of her country to stand by Russia in the face of international pressure.
“The strategic choice and will of the DPRK government is to defend, unconditionally, and invariably support Russia's policy of protecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Choe said during her meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, affirming her country's commitment to “opposing the hegemonic intrigues of the imperialists.”
She further stated that the DPRK is ready “to diligently implement all articles of the new interstate dialogue,” underlining her country’s dedication to expanding bilateral cooperation.
Choe described Lavrov’s visit as a sign of the Russian government and people’s “desire to further deepen the strategic exchange of views between our countries,” referring to a growing alliance based on mutual resistance to Western hegemony. She highlighted that the DPRK-Russia relationship has evolved into “unbreakable cooperation.”
In turn, Lavrov echoed this sentiment during the talks, referring to the DPRK-Russia relationship as a “military brotherhood,” citing the DPRK’s participation in recent combat operations as clear proof of this alliance.
"During the first round of our strategic negotiations, you characterized our new basic strategic agreement as a solid foundation of invincible military brotherhood... where heroic servicemen, fighters of the Korean People's Army, together with Russian fighters, at the cost of blood and even life, brought the liberation of the Kursk Region from Ukrainian Nazis closer," Lavrov stated.
DPRK's military role in the Kursk Region
The DPRK’s involvement in the military operation in Russia’s Kursk Region marks a significant milestone in the alliance. Choe called this participation by DPRK Armed Forces "an important historical event” that ushered in “a new era of Korean-Russian cooperation."
In April, Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov confirmed that DPRK special forces carried out combat operations alongside Russian troops in the region, helping repel Ukrainian forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly expressed gratitude to the DPRK leadership and military, noting that they “fulfilled their duty with honor and valor,” emphasizing that the Russian people “will never forget the feat of the DPRK military.”
Moreover, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also confirmed that the participation was conducted in line with Article 4 of the bilateral treaty, reinforcing the legitimacy and depth of the cooperation.
Strategic treaty strengthens DPRK-Russia defense ties
It is worth mentioning that in June 2024, Russia and the DPRK signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. The treaty is comprised of a preamble followed by 23 articles. It includes articles on political, trade, investment, and security cooperation.
Article 4 of the treaty stipulates that if either party is subjected to an armed attack, the other will provide military and other assistance by all means at its disposal, under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Meanwhile, Article 8 of the treaty outlines mechanisms for enhancing joint defense capabilities, including coordinated military actions, to prevent war and maintain regional and international peace and security.
