Mutual Defence Partnership: Russia Signs Agreement With North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly signed a pact on Wednesday, pledging mutual defense if either country is attacked. The agreement, which came during Putin's first trip to North Korea in more than two decades, is regarded as one of the highest-profile moves by the Russian administration in recent years. 

"If either side faces an armed invasion and is in a state of war, the other side will immediately use all available means to provide military and other assistance in accordance with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter and the laws of each country," the agreement says, as quoted by Reuters. The inclusion of a mutual defence clause in the partnership has raised western concerns. The agreement is crucial for Russia and North Korea, as both countries are currently isolated on the global stage. The Associated Press, citing the North Korean state media, reported that the agreement vows mutual defense assistance and broader cooperation in trade, military, and foreign policy. 

The agreement also reportedly says that both countries would not sign any treaty with a third country that infringed on the interests of the other. Meanwhile, the United States earlier said that North Korea has unlawfully sent dozens of ballistic missiles to the Russian administration in support of its war in Ukraine. On the other hand, North Korea requires knowledge and expertise for missile and nuclear programs. The White House has not yet officially responded to this move.