Military pact between North Korea and Russia comes into effect
By Im Yoon-seoPosted : December 5, 2024, 15:15Updated : December 17, 2024, 08:06
Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talk during a meeting in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency.
SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - A treaty pledging mutual military assistance between North Korea and Russia took effect this week after the two countries exchanged ratification documents, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday.
Initially signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June, the military pact commits both countries to come to each other's aid in the event of an armed attack.
Effective Wednesday, the treaty will serve as a "powerful security device that promotes the wellbeing of the peoples of the two countries, eases the regional situation and guarantees international strategic stability," KCNA said.
Since signing the treaty, the two countries have deepened their military cooperation, with North Korea sending over 10,000 troops to Russia in support of its war in Ukraine.