Moscow, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to North Korea signaled a significant strengthening of ties between the two nations. During his visit, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a new strategic partnership agreement, replacing previous deals from 1961, 2000, and 2001.

Thousands of North Koreans welcomed Putin with chants and waving Russian and North Korean flags as he made his first visit to North Korea in 24 years. Putin described the partnership as a “breakthrough document,” encompassing political, trade, investment, cultural, and security aspects.

The agreement includes provisions for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either party, a move that raised questions about potential joint military drills and the extension of Russia’s nuclear deterrent to North Korea. Putin criticized joint military drills involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan as hostile.

The visit highlighted North Korea’s dependence on Moscow and emphasized Putin’s continued influence on the world stage, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The relationship has sparked concerns in Seoul and Washington over North Korea’s arms transfers to Russia and the possibility of Moscow providing military technology to aid North Korea’s weapons program.

The exchange of gifts between Putin and Kim further illustrated the growing alignment between the two countries. Putin gifted Kim an Aurus car and a tea set, emphasizing the personal rapport between the leaders. Kim expressed his support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine and their shared struggle against the West.

Overall, the visit underscored the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea, rooted in historical ties and a shared distrust of Western powers. The significance of Putin’s visit and the implications for regional geopolitics have drawn attention and raised questions about the future direction of the partnership.