Russia stresses importance of defense treaty with North Korea

According to RIA Novosti on November 30, during talks with Leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said that the ratification of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang affirms the interest of the two countries in comprehensively developing the allied relationship.

“The ratification of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries confirms the mutual interests in the comprehensive development of allied relations,” Minister Belousov said.

At the same time, Mr. Belousov emphasized that “today, North Korea is one of the few countries pursuing an absolutely independent foreign policy. And this is the result of the policy of Leader Kim Jong-un.”

Russian Defense Minister Belousov stressed that the history of “comradeship and brotherhood” between the two countries goes back nearly eight decades. He noted that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries “was strengthened during the liberation of Korea in 1945, during the battles of the Fatherland Liberation War of 1950-1953.”

“Next year, Russia and North Korea will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the liberation of Korea from Japanese occupation,” the Russian Defense Ministry added.

Mr. Belousov noted that Russia expects a positive decision on the invitation to send a unit of the North Korean armed forces to Moscow to participate in the parade on Red Square on May 9, 2025.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on June 19, 2024, during the Russian President's visit to Pyongyang. This document lays the foundation for a comprehensive strategic partnership based on the principles of mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and the desire to establish a fair multipolar world order.