North Korea has officially ratified a significant defence agreement with Russia, marking the largest such pact between the two nations since the Cold War.
The treaty, signed last week by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, establishes mutual military aid, obligating both countries to offer immediate military assistance if either is attacked.
Russia completed its ratification of the deal the previous week. The “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” treaty will come into effect once both countries exchange formal documents of ratification.
In addition to military cooperation, the pact outlines broader collaboration, including efforts to create a “just and multipolar new world order,” and covers a range of areas such as peaceful nuclear energy, space exploration, food supply, trade, and economic development. The agreement has raised concerns in South Korea and the U.S. about potential Russian support for North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile programs, including the transfer of sensitive technologies.
