Results of talks between President Putin and leader Kim Jong-un
On the evening of June 19, Russia's TASS news agency reported that Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement and a number of other important documents after Russia-North Korea talks attended by President Vladimir Putin and his counterpart Kim Jong-un.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement
This agreement will take the relationship between the two countries “to a new level” instead of just relying on existing achievements.
The document “sets out broad tasks and standards for deepening Russian-DPRK relations in the long term”. This includes political, trade and investment, cultural, humanitarian and security areas. Among other things, the treaty stipulates “mutual assistance in the event of acts of aggression against one of the parties”.
According to TASS, in this context, it is worth paying attention to the statements of the United States and other NATO countries about the supply of precision weapons systems for strikes on Russian territory: “This is not just empty talk, it is already happening, and all this is a blatant violation of the restrictions accepted by Western countries within the framework of many international commitments.”
The relationship is growing
Russia "does not rule out the development" of military-technical cooperation with North Korea in connection with the signed treaty.
The two countries are developing relations in the field of education: "Currently, 130 North Korean citizens are studying in Russia. We will expand this cooperation in the future," said President Putin.
The two countries are developing cooperation in the fields of agriculture, culture and humanitarian affairs. For example, "under the personal patronage of Comrade Kim Jong-un, the ballet troupe of the Primorsky branch of the Mariinsky Theatre had a very successful tour of the DPRK."
In addition, the parties have also set up work in the tourism sector: “Tour groups are being formed for the summer, focusing on recreation at North Korean coastal resorts.”
North Korea also held a holiday for the children of those who died in the special military operation at the Songdowon International Children's Camp in North Korea. "We appreciate this gesture of sincere care and friendship," Putin said.
Although the trade turnover between the two countries is still modest in absolute terms, it is on the rise: "In 2023, trade turnover increased 9 times, and in the first 5 months of this year, it increased by 54%".
International security issues
Security issues and the international agenda "received considerable attention at the talks".
Russia and North Korea "consistently defend the idea of building a more just and democratic multipolar world order" based on international law and cultural and civilizational diversity.
Moscow and Pyongyang agree on the cause of the escalation of military and political tensions: “It is the US confrontational policy aimed at expanding its military infrastructure in the subregion.”
Such moves undermine peace and stability and threaten all Northeast Asian countries.
Moscow rejected "attempts to blame North Korea for the worsening situation".
The Russian leader affirmed that Pyongyang has the right to take “reasonable measures” to strengthen its defense capabilities, ensure national security and protect its sovereignty.
The talks on June 19 in Pyongyang “will contribute to further developing friendship and partnership between Russia and the DPRK as well as strengthening security in the entire region.”
Independent policy
According to Mr. Putin, Russia and North Korea "pursue independent foreign policies and do not accept threatening language."
North Korea's objective and balanced stance on resolving the Ukraine issue and its understanding of the original causes of the crisis are "another clear confirmation of the truly sovereign, independent line" of the North Korean leadership.
Against Western sanctions
Moscow and Pyongyang will continue to oppose “the application of sanctions as a tool that the West is accustomed to using to maintain its hegemony in political, economic and other spheres.”
The US-initiated UN Security Council sanctions regime “against North Korea needs to be reviewed”.
The platitudes of Western propagandists can no longer conceal their aggressive geopolitical designs, including in Northeast Asia.
