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North Korea and Russia have signed an agreement to provide immediate military assistance to each other in the event of aggression.
The pact, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, marks Putin’s first visit to North Korea.
The event which is seen as a revival of a mutual defense agreement originally established under a 1961 treaty between the Cold War allies would hold its new agreement for a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Article 4 of the pact stipulates that if either country faces an armed invasion and enters a state of war, the other will use all available means to provide military and other assistance.
This provision is in accordance with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which allows for individual or collective self-defense actions by member states.
This pledge comes at a time when both countries are facing increasing international isolation.
During the signing, Kim Jong Un echoed Putin’s statements, linking their strengthened ties to a mutual opposition to the “hegemonic and imperialist” policies of the West, particularly those of the United States, including its support for Ukraine.
The agreement also includes a clause that neither country will sign treaties with third countries that could harm the interests of the other, and they will not allow their territories to be used to compromise the other’s security and sovereignty.
Additionally, the pact states that both nations will undertake joint actions to strengthen defense capabilities and ensure regional and international peace and security.
Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak has criticized Russia, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, for undermining sanctions designed to curb North Korea’s weapons development.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that the agreement is indicative of a growing alignment among authoritarian powers.
