Newsman: Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed Wednesday what they called a “comprehensive” diplomatic and defense pact.
The agreement was signed as Putin made a rare trip to North Korea, his first in nearly a Russian President Vladimir Putin is using his first trip to North Korea in nearly 25 years to bring Pyongyang. Putin left for n Vietnam on Wednesday night for a state visit.
On Wednesday, Putin said the partnership “provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties.” Kim vowed “full support and solidarity” to Russia for its Ukraine war. He also called Russia “the most honest friend and ally,” according to Russian state media.
In a letter published by North Korea’s state media on Tuesday, Putin said the two countries would “develop alternative mechanisms of trade and mutual settlements that are not controlled by the West.”. Putin claimed the treaty was “defensive in nature.” Kim Un told Putin he backed Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Russia and North Korea were close allies during the Cold War. Relations cooled with the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Putin’s entourage included several deputy prime ministers, Russia’s foreign secretary and its new defense minister, Andrey Belousov. Putin stayed overnight in the Kumsusan Guest Palace in Pyongyang.
During Putin’s visit the capital, was draped in Russian and North Korean flags as well as colossal portraits depicting the two leaders. A large crowd clothed in red, white and blue — Russia’s national colors — cheered as Putin and Kim walked the red carpet, accompanied by a brass band playing patriotic Russian songs at Kim Il Sung Square in downtown Pyongyang.
Russian state media outlet RIA reported that Putin’s visit was an official state one, meaning he was feted by an elaborate official welcoming ceremony, honor guards and musical performances.
The deal would see the two countries provide “mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the participants,” and was part of a wide-ranging treaty covering everything from education to agriculture and tourism, according to Russian state media.
Putin last visited Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, in July 2000, four months after he was first elected president. He met Kim’s father, the country’s then-leader Kim Jong Il. Putin last met Kim in September in Russia’s Far East, when the North Korean leader offered his country’s “full and unconditional support” for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Kim visited eastern Russia in September last year. He traveled there on a luxurious, battle-ready, enormous green train. The two leaders also held face-to-face-talks in 2019. Putin will then visit Vietnam on June 19-20, the Kremlin said. Both visits had been expected, although the dates had not previously been announced.
