Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un solidified their strategic partnership with a signed agreement during Putin's state visit to Pyongyang on June 19. The agreement included provisions for mutual help in case of aggression against either country, as reported by ABC news. Putin expressed gratitude to Kim for his unwavering support during Russia's conflict in Ukraine.
The meeting, spanning approximately 11 hours, concluded with Kim personally escorting Putin to his plane at Pyongyang airport. This visit marks Putin's first to North Korea in 24 years and is part of ongoing efforts to bolster economic and trade relations between the two nations, both under Western sanctions.
Following previous face-to-face talks in eastern Russia last September and subsequent discussions in Pyongyang and Moscow, Putin highlighted progress in developing bilateral relations.
"A new fundamental document has been drafted to lay a long-term foundation for our relations," Putin stated in his opening remarks, according to Interfax.
North Korean state media expressed hopes that the meetings would deepen economic and trade ties with Russia. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department voiced concerns over North Korea's alleged shipment of arms to Russia, including ballistic missiles and munitions, possibly for use in Ukraine.
Putin and Kim aimed to portray their meeting as a challenge to Western policies, particularly those of the United States and its allies. Putin characterized the war in Ukraine as a battle against "imperialist hegemonistic policies" during his discussions with Kim, Interfax reported.
During Putin's stay, North Korea hosted a welcoming ceremony, and the leaders engaged in a stroll through Kim Il Sung Square amidst enthusiastic crowds of North Koreans waving flowers, balloons, and flags.
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