North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has promised “full support and solidarity” for Russia’s war in Ukraine as President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years and said the two countries were fighting the “hegemonic and imperialist policy” of the United States and its allies.
Relations between the two countries have grown closer since Moscow began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine amid rising concern that Pyongyang is providing Russia with weapons in return for Russian technological expertise.
Russia and North Korea have denied arms transfers but have promised to strengthen military ties.
Putin on Wednesday thanked Kim for “unwavering” support on Ukraine, and the two announced a new comprehensive strategic partnership treaty although no details of its contents were released. Earlier this week, the Kremlin said the pact would replace previous bilateral documents and declarations signed in 1961, 2000 and 2001.
Speaking after his meeting with Kim, Putin said the new agreement was defensive in nature and included a promise of “mutual assistance” if either side were attacked, Russian news agencies reported. The Russian president said it would take ties to a “new level”.
Credit: aljazeera.com
