Defense agreement between Kim and Putin endorses mutual aid with all resources, should either country meet an attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sealed a fresh strategic partnership treaty on Wednesday, in Pyongyang, during an unusual state visit by Putin. He stated that the alliance between the two nations has escalated to a higher level.
North Korean official media disclosed the complete details of the treaty on Thursday. This agreement encompasses political, trade, investment, and security cooperation.
As per the agreement text, Article 4 states that if either nation faces a state of war resulting from armed aggression, the other will promptly offer military and all other support with all available resources.
This latest treaty, which coincides with Putin's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, is considered the most significant deal inked by Russia and North Korea in years. Analysts view it as a resurgence of their Cold War-era mutual defense pact. It also fortifies Kim's strong bond with a global power that holds a veto on the UN Security Council.
The newly unveiled agreement will undoubtedly pose several lingering questions for Western observers, such as whether Russia's fearsome nuclear defense now shields North Korea, and vice versa, or whether the two nations will engage in joint military exercises.
Putin touched upon the defense clause post the meeting with Kim, asserting that it guarantees "mutual assistance in the event of an attack on either party to this agreement."
In the meantime, Kim labeled the new "alliance" as a turning point in the evolution of bilateral relations.
This story is still unfolding and will be updated.
CNN’s Simone McCarthy provided additional reporting.
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The defense agreement between Russia and North Korea includes a clause promising mutual aid with all resources, should either country face an attack. This new alliance between Asia's North Korea and Russia's Vladimir Putin is seen as a resurgence of their Cold War-era mutual defense pact, potentially involving Russia's nuclear defense to shield North Korea and vice versa.
