Russia, N.Korea Forge New Military, Economic Alliance
The agreement highlights deepening ties between the two U.S. “adversaries” and a pivot by the Kremlin toward Asia amid tensions with the West over Ukraine.
PYONGYANG, North Korea- Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveiled a new bilateral agreement following talks in Pyongyang, accelerating military and economic cooperation between the two allies opposed to U.S. “hegemony”, writes Winston Mwale.
The deal provides for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either nation, according to Putin.
He said it does not exclude military-technical cooperation with Pyongyang and that Moscow will review U.N. sanctions imposed on North Korea at Washington's behest.
"Russia and the DPRK are pursuing an independent foreign policy and will not bend to blackmail," Putin declared.
He condemned U.S.-led war games in Asia as "clearly hostile to the DPRK" and threats to regional security.
Kim hailed the agreement as "peaceful and defensive in nature" while facilitating "a new multipolar world that will be free of hegemonism, of domination, and of violence."
"For Pyongyang, Moscow is the most honest friend and ally, and President Putin is a dear friend to the Korean people," Kim said.
"We will be committed to fulfilling the duties under this agreement."
The leaders also signed accords on cooperation in health care, medicine, science and the construction of a new border bridge connecting their countries.
The agreement highlights deepening ties between the two U.S. “adversaries” and a pivot by the Kremlin toward Asia amid tensions with the West over Ukraine.
Russia has faced global censure and severe economic sanctions.
North Korea has long been an international pariah because of its nuclear program.