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The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, have signed a pact that includes a clause requiring the countries to come to each other’s aid if either is attacked, a move that has raised western concerns about potential Russian aid for Pyongyang’s missile or nuclear programmes.
Today’s News :
Kim Jong Un has said he fully supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as Putin visits North Korea after 24 years
Putin received a red carpet welcome, including roses, waving crowds and ceremonial gunfire following his overnight arrival.
The Russian president thanked Kim for inviting him to Pyongyang, and said he hopes the next meeting will take place in Moscow
The inclusion of a mutual defence clause in their comprehensive strategic partnership, which Kim described as an “alliance”, will add to the west’s alarm over growing economic and military ties between North Korea and Russia.
The deal was finalised on 19th June after hours of talks in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.
The pact has also magnified western concerns about potential Russian aid for North Korea’s missile or nuclear programmes.
was not immediately clear whether Russian support for ballistic missiles would indicate intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the mainland United States, or the short-range ballistic missiles that North Korea has reportedly supplied Russia with during the war and also could use in the event of a large-scale conflict with South Korea.
The Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said before the summit: “We are of course also concerned about the potential support that Russia provides to North Korea when it comes to supporting their missile and nuclear programmes.”
The top US arms control official, undersecretary of state Bonnie Jenkins, has said she believes North Korea is keen to acquire fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials, and other advanced technologies from Russia, Reuters reported.