Russia, DPRK agree on mutual aid against aggression: Putin
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Russia and the DPRK sign a mutual aid agreement against potential Western aggression on either country.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and DPRK's leader Kim Jong Un walk at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport outside Pyongyang, DPRK, on June 19, 2024. (AP)
Moscow and Pyongyang have vowed to support each other against foreign aggression, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday during his visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Putin and the DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, signed a strategic partnership agreement during their meeting, which will act as a roadmap for future cooperation in various areas, including cultural and tourism ties, trade and economic relations, and security.
Putin described the agreement as "truly a breakthrough."
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.
"Overused Western propaganda tropes can no longer hide their aggressive geopolitical intentions, including in Northwestern Asia," the Russian president said.
Denouncing sanctions on DPRK
Putin noted that Western nations were supplying advanced weapons to Ukraine and had given Kiev the green light to strike Russia. Given these circumstances, "Russia does not rule out the development of military cooperation with the DPRK under the document signed today."
He denounced the “indefinite restrictions regime” imposed on the DPRK by the UN Security Council, which includes an arms embargo, as “orchestrated by the US,” and urged for it to be revised.
Earlier on Tuesday, Putin arrived in the DPRK for a state visit, where he was welcomed at the airport by leader Kim Jong Un.
Putin and Kim began their conversation almost immediately upon meeting. Before reaching their convoy of cars, the leaders stopped and engaged in a lively discussion for several minutes.
The Russian President was welcomed by the DPRK's honor guard battalion. After the initial greetings, Putin and Kim departed Pyongyang airport together in an Aurus car.
