Putin and Kim Jong-un Sign Defense Pact, Here Are 5 Consequences

PYONGYANG – The leaders North Korea and Russia signed an agreement on Wednesday that deepens their military cooperation by including a mutual defense pledge to aid each other if attacked.

North Korea’s Kim Jong-un called the new relationship an “alliance.”

Kim spoke at a rare press conference following his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang, announcing the signing of a “comprehensive strategic partnership” that the Russian leader said included defense elements.

Putin and Kim Jong-un Sign Defense Pact, Here Are 5 Consequences

1. Reciprocal Assistance If One Party Is Attacked

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“The comprehensive partnership agreement signed today provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against any of the parties to this agreement,” said Putin, who was making his first visit to North Korea in 24 years.

Putin’s visit, which is likely to reshape decades-long Russia-North Korea relations at a time when both face international isolation, is being closely watched by Seoul and Washington, which have expressed concerns about their escalating military ties.

The reaction from China, North Korea’s main provider of political and economic aid and an increasingly important ally for Moscow, was muted.

2. Expanding Cooperation in Various Fields

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Kim said the pact would expand cooperation in the political, economic and defense fields, calling it a “peace-loving and defensive” agreement.

“Relations between the two countries have risen to a higher level of alliance,” Kim said.

At the start of their summit, Kim expressed “unconditional support” for “all Russian policies,” including “full support and a strong alliance” for Putin’s war with Ukraine.

3. Against US Hegemony

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