Russia, DPRK sign partnership treaty

PYONGYANG/MOSCOW — Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Wednesday signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement during Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Pyongyang, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported.

During talks with the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong-un, Putin said the new fundamental document "will form the basis for long-term relations between the two countries", said the report.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said earlier that the new agreement would outline future cooperation prospects considering recent developments in bilateral relations, especially in the economic and security sectors.

DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency reported on Wednesday that Kim greeted Putin at Pyongyang International Airport.

Kim shook hands with Putin and embraced him warmly, KCNA said.

Kim expressed his joy in meeting Putin again in Pyongyang some 270 days after their meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in September.

Putin extended his deep gratitude to the DPRK leader for coming to the airport to greet him.

The two leaders had a friendly chat after arriving at the Kumsusan State Guest House, the report said.

Putin's visit is of great importance in "reliably promoting the strategic and future-oriented development of DPRK-Russia relations", it said.

"We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in the Ukrainian direction," Putin was quoted by RIA as saying at the start of talks with Kim.

Putin said Moscow is fighting the hegemonic, imperialist policy of the United States and its allies, Russian media reported.

The countries' partnership is an "engine for accelerating the building of a new multipolar world" and Putin's visit demonstrates the invincibility and durability of their friendship and unity, KCNA said.

Wednesday's agenda included one-on-one discussions between the two leaders, as well as a gala concert, state reception, and honor guards, Ushakov was quoted by Russia's Interfax news agency as saying.

Putin praised Pyongyang ahead of his arrival for resisting what he said was US economic pressure, blackmail and threats, Reuters reported.

Putin promised to "develop alternative trade and mutual settlement mechanisms not controlled by the West" and "build an equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia".

Kim paid an official visit to Russia at the invitation of Putin in September 2023 and then invited Putin to pay a return visit.

Putin's only previous visit to Pyongyang was in July 2000.

Agencies - Xinhua